Pictured at the launch of Derryounce 10 Year Plan were, front row, L-R: Offaly County Council’s Andrew Murray, acting director of services; Anna Marie Delaney, chief executive; Cathaoirleach Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick; Olwen Cummins, town regeneration officer; Ian O’Brien, Executive Planner. Back Row, L-R: Mick Cullen; Colm Powell, Portarlington Community Development Association (PCDA); Lisa Kealey, Bord na Mona; Cllr Aidan Mullins, Laois County Council & PCDA; Mary Keogh, PCDA; Elaine Moore, Laois County Council; Jesper Peterson, Coillte, and Paul Jordan, Coillte.

Offaly County Council launches 10-year plan for Derryounce lakes and trails

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What was described as "a significant milestone in the future development of Derryounce" took place when the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, officially launched the Derryounce 10-year plan at Portarlington Golf Club.

Offaly County Council said that the plan will, in time, have an extremely positive impact in the area from an economic, social and environmental perspective.

The local authority's chief executive, Anna Marie Delaney, said: "The 10-year plan emphasises the importance of outdoor recreation, nature conservation, and the social and economic benefits for Derryounce and its surrounding area.

"There is a particular focus on identifying new recreation uses, enhancing existing uses and the provision of necessary infrastructure."

The plan aims to bring economic and social benefits to the area by promoting Derryounce as a Regenerative Tourism Destination and "a key trailhead" within the Midlands Cycling Destination for Offaly and the wider Blueway and Greenway Networks, while also promoting ideas around play and activity for all.

Andrew Murray, director of services with the council, said: "This brilliant, free amenity simply wouldn't exist without the lead of the Portarlington Community Development Association (PCDA) and the work of volunteers, energetically led by Colm Powell, Donie Molloy, Mary Keogh and the wider PCDA team."

The cover of the Derryounce plan. The document can be downloaded from Offaly County Council's website.

The 10-year plan is a culmination of a comprehensive public consultation process involving the community, local businesses, various sections of Offaly County Council, the Portarlington Community Development Association, Laois County Council, Bord na Mona, Coillte, ESB and local users.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, in advance of launching the plan, commended Portarlington Community Development Association which has championed the recreational development of Derryounce over the past number of years.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in establishing Derryounce as a major leisure and recreational asset in the east of Offaly," he said.

Cllr Fitzpatrick further acknowledged the work of the Steering Committee for their invaluable co-operation and input, the consultants led by SLR Consulting Ltd, for providing the blueprint which will guide the development of Derryounce in the coming years and the Regeneration team led by Olwen Cummins, Acting Town Regeneration Officer, for their continuing success at securing funding.

The Derryounce 10-year plan is supported and funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2021, under the Department of Rural and Community Development.

A copy of the Plan can be viewed or downloaded from Offaly County Council website: https://www.offaly.ie/derryounce/

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