Laois Tidy Towns group 'struggling' with upkeep of village greens

A Laois Tidy Towns group is asking for help from the council with the upkeep of their village greens.

Ballinakill Tidy Towns is "struggling a bit" says a councillor from the Portlaoise Municipal District.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly, himself a member of all Ireland winners Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, has asked Laois County Council to lend a hand to Ballinakill's volunteers.

"We all know that Ballinakill is a very good community for helping one another. The Tidy Towns committee is struggling a bit. Whatever assistance we can give, especially with the greens, they would be delighted," he said.

He tabled a motion to the September meeting of the district, asking that Laois County Council resurface the footpath on the Durrow Road, in conjunction with Ballinakill Tidy Towns. He also asks it to assist the group with the upkeep of green areas in the village.

Cllr Barry Walsh seconded the motion.

"Tidy Towns are doing great work, they deserve every bit of help we can give them," he said.

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In response to the motion, the council's Portlaoise MD office agrees to carry out resurfacing work on the footpath on the L1736 Durrow Road, but only subject to confirmation that it will be paid from the councillor's discretionary budget.

The office says it will "engage with" the Tidy Towns committee about the maintenance and upkeep of priority areas in Ballinakill village.

Ballinakill is home to Heywood Community School, whose graduates recently celebrated their Debs ball. See pictures.