It was a busy day at Laois County Council’s monthly meeting last week, with the Council outline four major projects for Portlaoise and Portarlington.
The Council presented Material Contravention to allow for the construction of a housing development at Summerhill / Aughnaharna, Portlaoise, near the Holy Family National School.
The project will form part of the Laois County Development Plan, and will include a total of 67 housing units.
This is broken down to 57 houses and ten duplex apartments.
The Council also set out the parameters for the two latest projects arising from Part VIII of the Planning and Development Regulations.
The first of these was the construction of a shared, pedestrian and cycle route from The People’s Park to Green Mill Lane (Triogue Way) in Portlaoise.
Cllr Willie Aird praised the “great work” done on the route, thanking those who have given their time and effort to the project.
Cllr Aird also commended the work that was done behind the scenes in securing 750,000 in grant funding for the project
There was great support for the project from numerous local County Councillors, with Cllrs Catherine Fitzgerald and Thomasina echoing the sentiments of Cllr Aird, saying the announcement is “absolutely great news for Portlaoise.
Cllr Barry Walsh said it was “a great step forward,” while Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley praised the “fantastic work” done on the project.
Cllr Dwane Stanley called for a similar project to be undertaken on the Mountmellick Road, saying “you’re taking your life in your hands cycling on that road.”
The Council also approved site development and ancillary works for Canal Road Business Park in Portarlington, part of former Avon factory site.
Cllr Paschal McEvoy praised the Council for “having the foresight to buy the site,” saying “it’s a step for for Laois County Council and for Portarlington.
The Council also announced the disposal of 0.0714 hectares of land at the Junction 17 National Enterprise Park in Togher, Portlaoise (R32 H5W) for €259,000 + VAT.
Council Chief Executive, Mr John Mulholland said the project will create 50 new jobs, hailing the success of the enterprise park to date, which he said provides far more jobs than the IDA.
Mr Mulholland said the continued expansion of the business park is great for new, modern businesses in Portlaoise.
SEE ALSO – €180,000 for Laois walking trails and amenities and €82,000 granted for Laois Domestic Abuse Service
