Disappointment at Laois County Council’s ‘negative response’ to request for public toilets at Abbeyleix cemetery

Laois County Councillors have been left “disappointed” by the Council’s “very negative response” to a request for public toilets at St Patrick’s Cemetery, Abbeyleix.

Fine Gael councillor Barry Walsh made the request during the October meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District this week, but was unimpressed with the Council’s response.

Mr Ken Morley, Senior Executive Engineer, said: “The provision of public toilets in St Patrick’s cemetery Abbeyleix must be considered in conjunction with other similar cemeteries throughout the county of which there are more than 20.

“The provision of burial capacity at each of these cemeteries is a priority for Laois County Council and all available ground and resources should be utilised for this purpose.

“Any requirement to provide public toilet facilities in cemeteries would have a negative impact in this regard.”

Cllr Walsh said: “I got this a lot when I was canvassing; everyone points out that Portlaoise have toilets, why can’t we?

“A lot of people spend a lot of time in graveyards, reflecting and visiting their loved ones. So, I’m disappointed.

“I’m just not sure why we can’t provide toilets; I’m not happy with this response and I’ll keep pushing it.”

Fianna Fáil councillor John Joe Fennelly added: “That’s a very negative response.

“I do understand that there’s pressure on the grave spaces, but there is space on the top right-hand corner on the Ballyroan side of the graveyard. There’s plenty of space there than we can look at.

“I don’t like to see a reply as negative as this; I think we should always be open to to having a look at situations and see if it’s possible to find solutions.”

Cllr Walsh then called on Laois County Council to install additional speed ramps in Clonrooske View, Portlaoise.

“I have had a number of complaints from concerned residents in the estate about speeding, especially late at night,” the Fine Gael councillor said.

Mr Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer at Portlaoise Municipal District’s Roads Office, said he will meet Cllr Walsh on site to confirm the location a speed ramp.

Sinn Féin councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley supported the motion, saying the road in the estate also needs to be resurfaced as well as the provision of additional car parking spaces.

Cllr Walsh also asked that the Council install additional drainage measures on Chapel Street, Ballinakill and to also to include in roads programme 2025.

Mr Wilkinson again said he would meet with the Fine Gael councillor on site to examine the location.

“The Portlaoise MD Office will include this location as an application for Drainage Works funding for 2025,” Mr Wilkinson added.

“The location will be included for consideration for resurfacing as part of the 2025 Roads Programme.”

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