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03 Apr 2026
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03 Apr 2026
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The astroturf pitches at Portlaoise Leisure Centre
A nearly "unplayable" and "dangerous" public astroturf pitch in Laois has been closed off, after an expert examination.
In December Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald raised the alert in a motion demanding that the pitches which are owned by Laois County Council and rented out to local teams, be urgently repaired.
A consultation later took place between the Football Association of Ireland and Laois Leisure, the council's associated company which runs Portlaoise and Portarlington leisure centres.
An update was sought by her at the January 16 meeting from the Director of Services with responsibility for Portlaoise, Simon Walton.
Mr Walton confirmed that the pitch is closed off pending repairs.
"Following consultation between Laois Leisure and the FAI, Sports Labs Scotland was appointed to inspect the pitches.
"That was to happen in December but it happened in early January.
"Laois Leisure is now seeking a contractor for decompaction services to bring back the pitch to use. That work is weather dependent but it is hoped to be done by the end of February.
"Arising from the inspection, pitch A was closed but Pitches B and C are available for hire," he said.
Cllr Fitzgerald welcomed the action.
"At least now it has been recognised. It's such a marvellous facility for Portlaoise, the sooner it's done the better, that they will bring it up to a good standard and make it safe," she said.
Cllr Willie Aird added "it is a problem and it should have been addressed before now".
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