The pyramids were built quicker in Egypt than a housing estate in Laois, according to a local councillor.
The claim was made by Cllr Aidan Mullins at the recent Laois County Council meeting.
He criticised the delay in building 22 new council houses in Ballymorris in Portarlington.
“The pyramids were built quicker,” he said.
He labelled the Laois action plan on housing, “more like an inaction plan”.
However, housing officer Michael Rainey quipped back “they had more manpower” in reply to the pyramids comment.
The exchange came during a presentation from Mr Rainey, which included a report on the council’s 2015-2017 construction programme.
Out of a target of 95 homes, only 39 are either finished or nearing completion.
Included among these are the 33 houses at Conniberry Way in Portlaoise, which are due to be finished in April.
Also included are six completed semi-detached houses at Clodiagh Way in Clonaslee.
Design
Detailed design is underway for 34 units in projects around Laois.
Included are ten homes in Ballyroan, five in Rathdowney, 10 at Pattison Estate in Mountmellick, six on Shannon Street in Mountrath and three at Harpurs Lane/Hillview in Portlaoise.
The 22 houses in Ballymorris are awaiting a “final cost plan”, the housing report outlines.
“I intend to have a definite idea of a timeline,” Mr Rainey said, in the coming weeks of all housing projects that are at detailed design stage.
The housing report outline that a further 22 properties provided by approved social housing bodies are almost ready for tenants.
Cluid will provide six units at Droimnin, Stradbally and five at Jessop Street in Portlaoise, which are due to be ready for letting in April.
A further eleven units at Cluinin, Mountrath, provided by the Oakley agency, will be ready to let this month.
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