LEIXLIP: 26 April 2001: by Brian Byrne. Leixlip-based councillor Paul Kelly called this week for an Action Area Plan to be prepared for Leixlip’s town centre as part of the review of the Town Development Plan. He says that many changes have taken place in Leixlip over the seven years since the last plan that special attention needs to be paid to the town centre.
"It was sad to see many of the old familiar shops close in recent times," he said. "While some have been replaced, I feel a study needs to be done on the socio/economic needs of the town so that we can plan to attract the right type of business to the centre to bring it back to life again.
"There is a huge problem with parking in Leixlip but already we have seen some improvements since the by-laws were introduced, and the Council has confirmed its commitment to providing a proper car park for the town. This issue can be addressed in an Action Plan to make sure we get it right."
Cllr Kelly said the town also has to be aware of the large shopping centres practically on its doorstep, but that Leixlip can look towards providing shops and services not catered for by them, which might attract people into the town.
"And maybe we need to advertise what we have to a wider audience," he added. "We must also be conscious of the fact that people live in our Main Street area and we must ensure that they enjoy a good quality of life. An Action Area Plan would also deal with the amenity and environment of the town centre, and help us ensure their protection as the town develops.
"An Action Area Plan for Leixlip’s town centre would focus attention on that vital part of any town – its heart – and help it develop into a beautiful place in which to work, shop or live."