Laois heritage town residents object in vain to housing rezonings
More than 100 residents in Abbeyleix were against the residential rezonings carried out by Laois County Council, citing concerns for added traffic problems and preservation of the heritage of their town.
Over 100 residents in Abbeyleix had failed to prevent rezonings of land for more housing in their town by Laois County Council.
The council rezoned six sites in Abbeyleix, approved by councillors this June, as part of the rezoning of 25 land banks across Laois totalling 635 acres for future housing.
In Abbeyleix a petition was signed by 111 residents, in objection to the rezoning of four sites in what is a heritage status Tidy Towns winning town.
The submission was made by their representative Laurence Vesey.
Their main concern is the heavy traffic, and the prematurity ahead of the planned masterplan for Abbeyleix.
They said it was “irresponsible for the safety of the residents of the town and visitors passing through it, to approve any additional housing until there is a future proofed and comprehensive traffic management solution in place”.
A recent Town Centre First Health Check survey of Abbeyleix had found that traffic is a huge safety concern for residents.
They asked that rezoning wait until an overall town ‘masterplan’ is written.“All of the signatories to this letter recognise the need for additional housing nationally and within Laois, and do not have objections to rezoning land for residential housing per se.
“However, all have significant concerns about existing and future traffic volumes through Abbeyleix and its surrounding areas, with the consequent safety implications for residents and visitors.
“Abbeyleix is a heritage town and in 2025 celebrated its founding 250 years ago. Such planning needs to be holistic and comprehensive and not purely driven by immediate housing pressures,” the residents said.
They note that even though the town is now bypassed by the M8 motorway, 10,000 vehicles pass through Abbeyleix daily including about 600 trucks.
Addressing each in a 19 page document, they said firstly that rezoning a large site beside the fire station east of the Portlaoise N77 road would worsen traffic, and potentially cause “piecemeal development”.
Another to the southeast of Ashbrook they said will also worsen traffic and is beside a narrow road with little space for footpaths. Another beside Abbeyleix FEC they say has no safe vehicular access and is prone to flooding.
They also objected to the removal of a map of future relief roads in the current adopted plan, to allow for the rezonings”.
The residents are from Laburnum Close, the Rathmoyle Road, Main Street, Ballyroan Road, Ballinakill Road, Chapel View, Steeple View, Abbey Crescent, Rathmoyle Crescent and Carriglawn.