'Forgotten' housing estate in Laois to receive total revamp

A Laois estate that has been 'forgotten' by Laois County Council is hoped to receive a new lease of life.

Father O'Connor Crescent in Mountrath has been put forward for updated lighting, footpaths, roads and landscape areas.

Independent Cllr James Kelly has tabled a motion for the Council to address these issues as a matter of urgency.

"In 2023, I met with Cllr Clooney and Cllr Bergin on site because there were issues with road safety," Cllr Kelly said.

"We had a ramp put in there between the three of us, and that was great. Father O'Connor Crescent is one of the oldest housing estates, the first houses were built in 1960."

Pictured: Father O'Connor Crescent, Mountrath

"It is well looked after by residents, there is a great residents association there, as was testament to when my colleagues and myself met with them a few years ago. They take great pride in it as well, but I believe it has been forgotten by the Council," he said.

"I believe that the older housing estates in each area should be highlighted, and there should be works done in these estates. You have to look after yourself, and the Council needs to look after Father O'Connor Crescent," he said.

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Cllr Kelly explained that footpaths in the Mountrath estate are in dire need of repair and replacement, with footpaths almost 18 inches in height in certain areas. 

"People can't get their cars up to their houses, they have to park up and walk the 60 or 70 metres back up this footpath, especially the elderly," Cllr Kelly argued.

"There are surface water issues there, water is lying on the roads. You're driving into the housing estate, and it's like driving through a flooded area in certain parts," he said.

Cllr Kelly suggested that the Council widen the roads through the estate by reducing the size of the greens.

"In fairness, we had great green areas back in the day, it's where we all played football, hurling and soccer," he said.

Pictured: Father O'Connor Crescent, Mountrath

"But now there are a lot of elderly people living in the estate, and the refuse trucks can't even get around there. Cars can't park outside of their house and are driving up onto one area of the green there. We have to get this sorted," he said.

Cllr Kelly explained that public lighting is another issue in the area that desperately needs to be addressed.

"I am looking forward to this meeting," Cllr Kelly finished.

 Mr. Rory O’ Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer with Laois County Council replied that the District Office will meet on-site with the residents and Cllr Kelly to assess the issues raised.

This motion was tabled at the February sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District.