Senior Laois garda commits to increased police presence at Portlaoise Courthouse

A senior garda has promised an increased police presence at Portlaoise Courthouse when court sittings are taking place. 

Sinn Fein Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley expressed disappointment that there has been no word on a new courthouse for Portlaoise. 

“Every week you walk down the town there, there is not a person in this town that doesn’t know that that courthouse needs to be moved because it is just intimidating for people in town trying to go about their business,” she said.  

“We have a site. We now need the direction from the Minister,” said Cllr Dwane Stanley. 

“I don’t accept we have to wait another two years or more,” she added. 

Garda Superintendent Eamon Curley said gardaí work with the traders in the area in relation to the courthouse on the Main Street in Portlaoise. 

“We have given a commitment to provide some increased policing on the days the courts are there,” he told a meeting of Laois Joint Policing Committee.  

“We do have a lot of members coming and going from the courts during that time,” Supt Curley said. 

“I do take your point in relation to its location. It is something we give attention to on days court is on,” he added.