Meetng hears claim areas outside Portlaoise being 'neglected' in Laois

A councillor has claimed that towns and villages outside Portlaoise are being “neglected” by Laois County Council.

The claim was made during a recent meeting when Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins called for additional resources for Portarlington and other towns and villages in Laois. 

He asked in a motion: “That Laois County Council provide additional financial resources for the enhancement and upkeep of the streetscapes, roundabouts, approach roads etc for Portarlington and other towns and villages in the Municipal District.”

Cllr Mullins said he had recently brought Laois County  Council Chief Executive, Michael Rainey, on a drive around Portarlington. 

“From one end of the town to the other you would be lucky to see two or three flower boxes that are put in by the council,” he remarked. Cllr Mullins said the “roundabouts are in disrepair.” 

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District, he compared the situation to Portlaoise “where the council are able to pay contractors to keep the plants.”

“I am not here to take away from Portlaoise The town looks fabulous..I just can’t understand why the other towns aren’t entitled to the same resources,” said Cllr Mullins.

He told the meeting that while “Portlaoise was the gold standard,” Portarlington and many other towns are relying on Tidy Towns groups, who he said were doing fabulous work, to look after the upkeep of their areas. 

“The first impressions of a town lasts with people and if it looks shabby the standards will drop,” he said. 

Cllr Mullins said that while he was critical of the unsightlyness of derelict buildings and other visual aspects of Portlarlington, it was no reflection on the council crew based there, who he said do their best there with limited resources. 

Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy said “once you leave Portlaoise nothing happens basically.” 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said “I just can’t understand it. We are so neglected outside of Portlaoise.” 

He claimed CE(Community Employment) schemes were keeping areas looking well. He claimed pedestrian crossings and footpaths are all being developed in Portlaoise.  “The pedestrian crossings are on top of each other in Portlaoise,” he claimed.

“Portlaoise is getting 80 or 90 percent of all grants,” said Cllr Brennan. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran agreed with her colleagues. “I can’t understand how it is a two tier system and Portlaoise gets everything,” said Cllr Moran. 

Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan said she wanted to support the motion. “I think we all agree,” she said. 

“Portlaoise is fantastic but I do think that our area, particularly the larger towns, need a boost,” said Cllr Phelan. 

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Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming said he agreed and “something needs to be done.”   

In response, to Cllr Mullin’s motion, A/Director of Finance, Julie Bergin said “Laois County Council acknowledges the importance of maintaining and enhancing the public realm, including streetscapes, roundabouts, and approach roads, to improve the appearance and livability of Portarlington and other towns and villages within the Municipal District.

We will review the works required and provide the support necessary, within the financial constraints, ensuring investment is targeted towards high impact areas. The MD special projects allocation should also be considered for such works.” 

Ms Bergin assured the councillors that she would look into the situation to see what could be done.