Laois Christmas market in Portlaoise shuts after 'soul-destroying' theft and vandalism

A new Portlaoise Christmas market has been forced to shut down early after it was hit by thieves who have left traders and the council out of pocket at a vital time of the year.

In a blow described as "soul-destroying" by the Laois Taste food and drink group, a number of people broke into the Civic Plaza carpark next to Laois County Council offices overnight on Monday, December 18.

They took hampers as well as valuable equipment from traders and suppliers. It is understood that the group wore gloves and masks and struck around midnight. They returned again at 2am to take yet more items. 

Gardaí were on the scene soon after they were alerted, and have launched an investigation into the incident.

The new festive market and funfair had only opened for the first time last Thursday, December 14 and was due to run until Saturday evening, December 23. 

It was organized by Laois County Council's Business Support Unit, in conjunction with the Laois Taste food group, with high hopes of boosting local business and the Christmas atmosphere in Portlaoise, which lost its Main Street market this year.  More below picture of people at the market on the opening weekend.

The 10-day market was based in their split level underground carpark next to county hall in Portlaoise, a site that unfortunately had been targeted only recently for a repeat time by vandals who broke the lift. It was impossible to fix the extensive damage in time for the market, with other arrangements put in place so people in wheelchairs could attend it.  Read more on that incident here.

A decision is now underway on whether the market can be recovered in time for this final weekend before Christmas. Brian Brennan, chair of the Laois Taste group, confirmed the incident to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

He said that a Laois coffee company's equipment along with sound systems and hampers were among the items stolen. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"It has cast a dark shadow over things. It's soul-destroying. The people who take stands are decent, hard working people. They certainly didn't want anything like this happening on Christmas week. It's tough going to shut it down, so much work went into it. It's just really disappointing. 

"The fair had been going well, our traders were happy enough. It was a big effort to try and do something, and it was in the carpark to be dry and stay out of any weather," Mr Brennan said.

Local election candidate and community activist Pauline Madigan from Portlaoise said the incident was "shocking, absolutely devastating".

"We all want to buy and support local. I know how personally my own mother-in-law Kathleen worked on her handcrafts for it. She makes pyrography and Christmas candles. She got the call this morning to collect her stock. It's very sad. These are all local craftspeople who worked so hard," she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The Laois Taste group had celebrated a very successful year recently at an event in Ballykilcavan Brewery, with Darina Allan as special guest who praised their high-quality wares and committed work.

The issue of security around County Hall had been flagged in advance at Laois County Council level due to ongoing vandalism problems at the disused car park. A lift to allow people with disabilities was put of use after being vandalised.

Laois County Council has not yet commented on the incident. The gardaí has have yet to comment