Laois County Council have begun to outline various areas for future improvement as Portlaoise town centre is set to benefit from a new €12 million investment.
Mr Simon Walton, Director of Services, told the May meeting of the Portlaoise Municiple District that “there is funding in place for significant enhancements to the Town Centre.”
Mr Walton said the focus would primarily be on Main Street and Lyster Square “to compliment the work that has already been undertaken” in Portlaoise.
“An opportunity now presents itself from the URDF funding of €9 million together with match-funding of €3 million from the Council,” Mr Walton said.
“Laois County Council are at the point of commencing that project” and that the first priority would be the appointment of a Senior Engineer and a Design Team.”
The announcement came following several motions tabled by the local Councillors for a variety of projects in the town.
Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy began proceedings by requesting an update on the proposed Area of Reflection in the Portlaoise Town Park.
Cllr Tuohy said would greatly benefit people who were “robbed of the normal funeral process during Covid.”
Mr Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that funding had been secured for the project said works on a ‘Garden of Reflection’ were expected to commence after the summer.
Cllr Tuohy went on to ask that the Council conduct a safety check on the cobble stones in Portlaoise town centre, “in particular around the old post office and the corner of Railway Street leading on to Main Street.”
The Labour Councillor claimed the cobble stones “look well but can lead to problems,” with fellow Councillors Tommy Mulligan and Barry Walsh supporting the motion, pointing out the difficulties cobblestone surfaces cause for people with disabilities and people who use wheelchairs.
Later in the meeting, Fine Gael Councillor Paddy Buggy, Cathaoirleach of the Portlaoise Municipal District, also took aim at the town’s footpaths, asking that the Council carry out repairs, specifically in the Downs estate.
Cllr Buggy echoed the earlier sentiments of other Councillors, saying the cobblestones “look nice” but “oftenead to dangers and problems down the line.”
The motions came in the aftermath of prolonged discussions on proposed alterations to loading and car parking facilities in Lyster Square.
Mr Wilkinson responded to both Cllr Tuohy and Cllr Buggy’s motions saying the MD Office inspect the cobblestone areas and carry out repairs where needed.
Cllr Buggy went on to ask that the County Council investigate a footpath at the bus stop on the Mountrath Road at Bellingham Estate.
The Fine Gael Councillor said people are “having to walk out onto the road or over a grass verge” to access the bus stop and nearby shops, again highlighting the issue this causes for wheelchair users.
Cllr Buggy said that while the grass verge may be a viable option “in the lovely weather we’re currently having”, that would not be possible “when the rains eventually come.”
Mr Wilkinson again fielded the question, saying: “The initial phase of works relating to the installation of bus stops as part of the Town Bus Service Scheme is now completed.
“Portlaoise MD Office will carry out a review of the bus stop locations in Quarter 3 of 2025 to identify any additional works that will serve to improve the access and usage of bus stops in Portlaoise.
“The Portlaoise MD Office will then engage with the NTA and make an application for funding to carry out these works.”
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