Revitalising Carlow: Nature-Based Solutions Training Event Paves the Way for Sustainable Town Centre Regeneration

On 9th April 2025, Carlow Town served as a vibrant backdrop for a forward-thinking training event hosted by Town Centre First in collaboration with LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme). Town Regeneration Officers from around the country came together, all eager to deepen their understanding of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as innovative strategies for town centre revitalisation. The day was marked by a series of comprehensive presentations and a walkabout, showcasing real-life NbS projects and the ongoing efforts of Carlow County Council in addressing the challenges of vacancy and dereliction within the town.

Coilín O Reilly, CE Carlow CoCo opened the event and welcomed the group to Carlow Town. This was followed by a presentation on DHLGH NbS Initiatives – Projects / Publications / NbS National Strategy Update by Averil Gannon Water Policy Advisor.

Further presentations were given by Padraig O’Gorman DoS Carlow CoCo, Ciaran Brennan Executive Technician Carlow Municipal District , Dr. Fran Igoe Regional Co-ordinator LAWPRO, Tom Brennan Senior Executive Engineer LAWPRO NbS Team and Eamonn O’Connell Senior Executive Engineer LAWPRO NbS Team.

Topics ranged from case studies of NbS projects in Carlow Town, Integrating NbS into place making and better quality of living, Rainwater Management and Demonstrator Projects each representing a slice of what NbS can offer in enhancing urban resilience.

Following the morning session, attendees donned their walking shoes for a guided tour of Carlow Town, where they observed the various NbS initiatives implemented by the local council. The walk included stops at several key sites where green infrastructure has already begun to transform the urban landscape.

Nicola Lawlor, Carlow County Council’s Town Regeneration Officer, highlighted the council’s hands on approach in tackling vacancy and dereliction and the different funding streams used to bring properties back into use.

Declan Cullagh, Fisheries Officer, South East Region Basin District, Inland Fisheries Ireland welcomed the group to the Weir and Fish Pass at the River Burren within the heart of the town and highlighted the importance of fish in our rivers.

As the tour came to an end, the attendees left with a wealth of ideas for applying Nature-Based Solutions in their respective towns. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, the Town Centre First initiative aims to equip local authorities with the tools necessary to revitalize urban spaces while promoting environmental stewardship.

In conclusion, the LAWPRO Nature-Based Solutions training event in Carlow represents a critical step forward in the movement towards sustainable town centre regeneration. By embracing solutions, it is possible to harmonise town centre living with the natural environment. The synergy created between nature and urban development is not just a vision for the future; it is an achievable reality that holds the promise of thriving, resilient communities for generations to come.

Regeneration zone in Carlow Town

Strategic Development Site in Carlow Town

refurbished property on Old Dublin Road Carlow town

refurbished Potato Market in centre of Carlow Town, used for events and markets, managed by the Local Enterprise Office

Redesigned public park in Carlow town

Redesigned public park in Carlow town with basketball court

Redesigned public park in Carlow town

Padraig O Gorman Carlow CoCo speaking at the Town Centre First LAWPRO event in Carlow

Old BOI Building in Carlow Town to be redeveloped by Carlow County Council

Eamonn O Connell from LAWPRO speaking at the Town Centre First LAWPRO event in Carlow

Dr Fran Igoe from LAWPRO speaking at the Town Centre First LAWPRO event in Carlow Refurbished vacant property Coxs Lane, Carlow Town refurbished vacant property coxs lane carlow town Chief Executive of Carlow county council Coilin O Reilly speaking at the Town Centre First LAPWRO event in carlow Current redevelopment of Barrack St for a Social Housing Scheme in carlow town Current redevelopment of Barrack St for a Social Housing Scheme in carlow town Averil Gannon Water Policy Advisor DHLGH speaking at the town centre first LAWPRO event in carlow Rain Garden as a nature based solution on dublin rd carlow town Rain Garden as a nature based solution on dublin rd carlow town Rain Garden as a nature based solution on dublin rd carlow town Rain Garden as a nature based solution on dublin rd carlow town Rain Garden as a nature based solution at Shamrock Plaza in carlow town Rain Garden as a nature based solution at Shamrock Plaza in carlow town Rain Garden as a nature based solution at Shamrock Plaza in carlow town Wier and Fish Pass in Carlow Town Declan Cullagh, Fisheries Officer, South East Region Basin District, Inland Fisheries Ireland speaking at the Town Centre first LAWPRO event at the Wier and Fish Pass in Carlow town Declan Cullagh, Fisheries Officer, South East Region Basin District, Inland Fisheries Ireland speaking at the Town Centre first LAWPRO event at the Wier and Fish Pass in Carlow town Declan Cullagh, Fisheries Officer, South East Region Basin District, Inland Fisheries Ireland speaking at the Town Centre first LAWPRO event at the Wier and Fish Pass in Carlow town Nicola Lawlor Town Regeneration Officer, Carlow County Council speaking about how carlow coco have tacked vacancy and dereliction in carlow Town Nicola Lawlor Town Regeneration Officer, Carlow County Council speaking about how carlow coco have tacked vacancy and dereliction in carlow Town Regeneration zone in carlow town