The Graigavern Lodge housing estate in Ballybrittas has been taken in charge by Laois County Council – more than a decade after it was first built.
However, a bizarre problem over the status of a sanitary services pump house still continues.
There is a long-running stand-off between the Council and the original developers of the estate, LBJ Developments, who are no longer in business, over the ownership of this pump.
While the original grant of planning permission to LBJ dates back as far as February 2005 the development was subsequently taken over in 2007 and a second phase completed to 97 houses in total by another company, Boderg Developments.
Back in 2006 purchasers queued up to buy the first phase of the new homes in Ballybrittas. Most recently a 4-bed property on the estate was on the market for €350,000.
Everyone agrees and there is no dispute whatsoever that Boderg did the business and the houses are constructed and finished to the highest standards and specifications as set down in all planning criteria and that today the estate is exemplary in its maintenance and presentation by all concerned.
While the dispute over the ownership of this pump had previously stopped the council from taking the estate in charge, it has been confirmed by Director of Services Simon Walton that the council has now done this.
The cost to the council for upkeep of the estate is estimated at €3,200 a year for public lighting, a total of 40 lights at €80 each; and €7,500 for the ongoing maintenance and repair of roads and services.
Speaking about the decision, Cllr Paschal McEvoy welcomed it and paid tribute to his colleague Cllr Tom Mulhall who is battling his way back to full health after an illness.
Cllr McEvoy said: “This is very welcome news and I know Cllr Tom Mulhall has worked very hard on this for the last number of years.
“It is a pity he is not here to revel in this good news but I’m sure he will be delighted when he learns of it.”
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