Laois town to restore water pump following act of vandalism

An old water pump that was targeted by vandalism in 2023 is to be restored and re-instated by Laois County Council.

The water pump has been a fixture on Chapel Street in Ballinakill for many years, and is a known landmark to those familiar with the area.

Fianna Fáil County Councillor John Joe Fennelly has requested that the Heritage Office of Laois County Council reinstate this water pump.

Mr. Thomas Carolan, Heritage Officer in the Council, replied that the Heritage Office fully supports this motion.

"Laois Heritage Office fully supports the restoration and re-instatement of the pump at Chapel Street, Ballinakill, which is an integral part of local cultural heritage," said Mr Carolan.

"The Heritage Officer will contact suitable professionals to undertake restoration work. Funding for this work can be discussed with the area office after quotations are received."

Cllr Fennelly was grateful for this response, yet worried that disagreements over the source of the funds would lead to further delays.

"It's a fairly simple job, there is an original pump in Ballinakill, so it is just a matter of getting the specifications," said Cllr Fennelly.

"The only query I have is, does the heritage officer not have funding himself? does this come back to us?" he asked.

"I know what is going to happen, 'Cllr Fennelly can use his discretionary funds to fund this,'" Cllr Fennelly remarked.

"In fairness, residents out there want this job done, there is one lady in particular, her first name is Diane. She has sewn flowers around this pump for donkeys of years. She has kept the place exceptionally well," he said.

"She has asked me, 'John Joe I would love to see this back in place, and it should be replaced.' I expect that the heritage officer should be able to do this work," Cllr Fennelly finished.

This motion was seconded by Ballyroan Fine Gael Cllr Barry Walsh.

"I fully support this motion," Cllr Walsh said.

"This pump is a part of the cultural heritage of the area, and it would be a shame to not have it fixed," he finished.

This matter arose at the January sitting of Laois County Council's Portlaoise Municipal District.