A cross-party motion was tabled this week that would see Laois County Council take in charge another Portlaoise housing estate.
Fine Gael Councillors Barry Walsh and Paddy Buggy were joined by Independent Councillor Tommy Mulligan in asking that the Council take in charge the Maryborough Village estate in the town.
The joint-motion was tabled at the May monthly meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District this week, with all three Councillors having their say on the issue.
Cllr Walsh said the matter has been instigated by the Maryborough Village Residents Association and that the three Councillors were tabling the motion following a recent meeting of the Association which all the Councillors attended.
The Fine Gael Councillor said the residents of the estate, “many of whom are young families,” have “growing concerns” over various safety issues in the estate.
Cllr Walsh concluded by saying the residents would like to see progress made on the matter “in the next few months.”
Cllr Mulligan expanded on the safety issues eluded to, highlighting concerns over driver speed, anti-social behaviour, and even trespassing.
The Independent Councillor said the trespassing was taking place at a specific wall in the estate, but said residents were unable to make the wall higher without the estate being taken in charge.
Cllr Buggy concluded the joint-motion by suggesting that the Council should seek Garda input when considering future estates to be taken in charge.
Mr Eamon Cahill, Senior Executive Officer at the Council’s Planning Department, said: “The responsibility for upkeep and maintenance for the Mayborough Village rests with the developer until such time as the estate is taken in charge by the Local Authority.
“The most recent correspondence between the local authority and developer of May 2, 2025, sought an update on the following requirements:
- An Application Form by the Developer;
- The upload of All Drawings, Certificates and Reports in respect of the estate by the developer to the Local Authority shared portal;
- As Built drawings;
- CCTV Surveys of manholes/drainage arrangements Health and Safety related File(s);
- Reports and Certificates (as required).
“Once the necessary administrative requirements are received via the online portal, the Local Authority will undertake its assessment protocol and thereafter advertise the estate for Taking in Charge as per the TIC Policy.”
