Laois County Council is to support the advancement of planned vegetable garden allotments in Portlaoise following calls from a local Councillor.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District, Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley asked that the Council “support the residents in St Brigid’s Place to advance plans for allotments in the estate.”
Cllr Dwane Stanley said that the St Brigid’s Residents Association along with the Portlaoise Women’s Shed have begun the process of introducing allotments at the St Brigid’s Community Centre.
The Portlaoise Councillor said she felt that site would be “a bit too small,” suggesting an alternative site at St Francis School that could be used.
“We are aware that a section of that site will be kept for the school – and rightly so – in the event of them needing an extension,” Cllr Dwane Stanley said.
“It is the Council’s intention to build houses on the other end of the site,” she said, asking that if there were any land left over that it be developed as allotments.
The Independent Councillor praised the allotments at O’Moore Place, Portlaoise, which she called “one of the greatest examples” of the rolling out of the allotments.
“They’re open to the entire community and really well looked-after by the residents in the area,” Cllr Dwane Stanley said.
“It is about mirroring that example whenever we can, especially on Council-owned lands. I think it would be a huge benefit for the residents of St Brigid’s and other people in the community.”
Fianna Fáil Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald landed her support to the motion, saying allotments are “a great facility to have in a neighbourhood, allowing people to grow their own vegetables.”
Mr Simon Walton, Director of Services, said the County Council will support plans for allotments in St Brigid’s Place, having regard to other objectives for available lands in the area.
“In turn, via the Strategic Policy Committee, the Council will seek to develop a general policy on allotment development for County Laois, for the approval of Laois County Council.”
Cllr Dwane Stanley also asked for an update on progress made with Coillte “to repair the bad state of the lane way into the bog at Togher Woods.”
The Independent Councillor said the lane “is in an awful state,” which is worsening due to heavy rain.
Mr Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, said the District Office “have recently received contact details for the Estates Team within Coillte” and “will arrange to meet Coillte representatives on site.”
Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy also turned attentions to environmental matters, asking that the Council “take any measures possible to address the dumping in Peppers Court.”
Ms Georgina Ireland, Senior Executive Officer at the Council’s Environment Department, said the matter would be investigated and reported on by the Litter Warden.
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