Uisce Éireann responds to Portlaoise church sewage leak problem

Uisce Éireann has promised to permanently fix a serious sewage leak in Portlaoise, that has in the past forced mourners to walk through flowing waste to follow their loved ones coffin in a funeral.

The issue affecting St Peter & Paul’s Church in Portlaoise, the largest church in the county, was raised this week by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald to Portlaoise Municipal District.

She was disappointed to hear that it has been ongoing for up to four years and remained unfixed.

An employee at the Parish Church also told the Leinster Express this week how the sewage overflows often and spills onto the public path and bus stop. He described it as “horrendous” and a “health and safety issue”. Read full story below.

The national water service provider has now given Laois Live / the Leinster Express a statement confirming their commitment to resolving the leak.

“Uisce Éireann are aware of the issue of a leaking manhole in the vicinity of the St. Peter and Pauls Church, Portlaoise. The underground sewer network in this area is too small to manage the volume of wastewater during times of extensive or heavy rainfall and does need to be upsized.

“We are committed to resolving the matter permanently and are currently working through design and the budgetary approvals required to upgrade the underground infrastructure.

“When a confirmed timeline for delivery is available, we are committed to informing the local community and stakeholders in advance of construction. “