The long wait to have a Portlaoise housing estate taken in charge by Laois County Council could be about to end.
Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley used the February meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District to ask for an update on the taking in charge of the Broomville Close estate.
Mr Simon Walton, Director of Services, said: “In April 2024, following discussions at Portlaoise Municipal District Meeting, a public notice was published, stating Laois County Council’s intention to take all remaining areas in charge in the Broomville/Fieldbrook Estates.
“The taking in charge has not proceeded, arising from objections raised by some residents to the proposed taking in charge.”
Cllr Dwane Stanley shot back, saying “the vast majority of residents want the estate to be taken in charge,” citing the poor condition of footpaths, parking, kirbs, roads and public lighting.
“This has been going on for 23 years,” the Independent Councillor said. “Residents are being held to ransom by one or two objections.”
Mr Walton said the Council will draw up a report which would potentially see Broomville Close taken in charge.
Cllr Dwane Stanley went on to ask for an update on the “faulty” traffic lights at Portlaoise College and that the problem around the “continuing faults” be rectified at the pedestrian crossing at the top of Harpers Lane on the Mountmellick Road.
The Independent Councillor said up to a thousand students and a massive amount of residents rely on the lights at Portlaoise College.
Mr Conor Delaney of the Council’s Road Design Department said the traffic lights at Portlaoise College have been assessed.
“Due to recurring technical issues it was decided to replace the controller within these lights,” he said.
“Road Design in conjunction with the Maintenance Contractor have assessed the reported faults at the Pedestrian Lights on the N80 Mountmellick Rd at Harpurs Lane. The problem has been rectified.”
Cllr Dwane Stanley also asked that the Council “ensure that the issue of drainage and surface water run off on the Curragh Na Mona Abbeyleix Road is adequately catered for prior to the start of construction on site.”
Mr Trevor Hennessy, Senior Engineer, said works to the new Housing Scheme are due to commence on site by the end of March.
“Enabling works including surface water diversion works will be one of the first items to be addressed on site,” Mr Hennessy said.
“These enabling works should address the current surface water drainage issues on site.”
SEE ALSO – €308,465 awarded for four community projects across Laois under Community Recognition Fund
