The process is underway for Laois County Council to take in charge a series of roads in Kilminchy housing estate, Portlaoise.
Since it was built over 20 years ago, the estate of Kilminchy has grown to such a degree that it is practically a suburb of Portlaoise in it’s own right.
Speaking this week at the meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District, Independent Councillor Tommy Mulligan to take in charge a number of roads in Kilminchy “as soon as possible.”
The roads named were Lake Place, Lake Vale, Lake Way, Lake Drive, Lake Gardens and Lake Glade.
Three roads in the estate – Lake Crescent, Lake Grove and Lime Tree Avenue – have already been taken in charge by the Council.
Mr Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, said no formal application had been received for the roads listed to be taken in charge.
But Cllr Mulligan insisted the residents in these areas were in the process of finalising a petition which they would soon deliver to the estate.
Cllr Mulligan outlined the residents’ “frustrations” around road markings, speed, child safety signage, estate location signage, footpaths, kerbing, tree removal, new road surfacing, public lighting, abandoned sites, and the unfinished walkway around the lake.
The Independent Councillor also called on Laois County Council to implement safety measures at two housing estates on the Abbeyleix road in Portlaoise.
Cllr Mulligan requested that the Council install bollards on the cycle/pedestrian lane in front of Powerscourt estate and double yellow lines on the avenue entrance to Abbey Court estate.
The estates are in close proximity to O’Moore Park and the Laois GAA Centre of Excellence, which Cllr Mulligan said meant residents faced “big issues” on match days at the venues.
The number of cars parking along the Abbeyleix road when matches are held at the grounds were “restricting views” for residents of the estates in question.
Mr Wilkinson said the Portlaoise Municipal District Office will identify the best location for a bollard at the Powerscourt estate and would make arrangements to have it installed, along with the double yellow lines at the Abbey Court entrance.
The works are to be carried out “in the coming weeks.”
