Big Portlaoise housing estate plans new allotment gardens

A large Portlaoise housing estate is planning to build its own allotments for residents to grow food and flowers.

St Brigid's Place, one of the oldest council built estates in Laois, has the support of Laois County Council to get growing, but they have yet to agree on a site.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley suggests a council owned field between St Francis Special School, St Brigid's Place and Highfield Meadows estate in Portlaoise.

Part of the unused field is kept for future use by the school. It had also been considered for small social houses for downsizing council tenants but accessibility is an issue, read more.

Cllr Dwane Stanley said St Brigid's Place could follow in the footsteps of O'Moore Place's allotment gardens, built recently with the help of Laois Partnership funding. 

O'Moore Place allotment gardens. Photos: Laois Partnership

She makes the case for the allotments, tabling a motion to the May meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District asking for council support.

"St Brigid's Residents Association have a community centre in the area. The Women's Shed Portlaoise also use it. They are looking to make progress to achieve allotments. They were looking to use a piece of ground at the front but I feel it's too small.

"There is a site for St Francis School and I know it is being left for the school if they get an extension. Another part of it was originally for housing but it could be used for the allotments.

"O'Moore Place has led by example. It's actually open to the entire community. It's looked after by residents. It's about mirroring that, I'm glad to see Laois County Council will promote this, particularly as it's on their own lands," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

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Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald seconded the motion, noting the past success of allotments in the estate where she grew up.

"Marian Avenue has old allotment plots, we had one ourselves. In fairness to Laois County Council's Trevor Hennessy, they were brought back to life. Have a look, it's such a great facility. It's one great example of when council estates were built in the past. Thanks to the housing section who were involved. Some are gardened by the same families for years, some by new residents. It's so beneficial and great to see, they work so well, they're amazing," she said.

Council Director of Services Simon Walton said they will support plans for allotments in St Brigid's Place, but "having regard to other objectives for available lands in the area".

He said that Laois County Council will also develop a general policy on allotment development for the county.