Laois street sweeper demanded for towns outside Portlaoise

Money should be found for a council owned and run street sweeping machine for Mountmellick and other towns in the west and south of Laois similar to what is at Portlaoise’s disposal.

The case was made by councillors who represent the biggest geographical area in Laois at a meeting with council officials following a motion tabled by Cllr Paddy Bracken.

He called for a mini-mechanical street sweeper for Mountmellick town which could also be used for Clonaslee and Rosenallis.

He said Mountmellick is a big town but just one council worker is deployed to the town. He said the regular visits of the contract street sweeping machine is welcome but there are many other parts of the urban urban area that need attention.

“It would be so benefical to estates. Apart from Mountmellick there are towns and villages across the whole area that would benefit and we have the means to share it out,” he said.

He said Portlaoise has one and so should Mountmellick adding that it could be shared with Rosenallis, Clonaslee and other towns in the Municipal District.

“It would be a great investment that would pay off...we should be striving and fighting for it,” he said.

He said money could be found in a €90 million budget that the council agreed to spend for 2023. He added that all Tidy Towns groups would appreciate an investment.

Other councillors rowed in behind the case made by the Fianna Fáil man led by Cllr Seamus McDonald who believed it would be a big help in Rosenallis and Clonaslee.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, wanted to know if there is more money to increase the frequency of visits by private sweeping machine.

Mr Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, replied to Cllr Bracken’s motion.

“An application for funding will be made to the Department to cover the capital costs associated with the purchase of a sweeper. The Councillor will be kept informed of the outcome of the application,” he said.

In reply to Cllr Kelly, the engineer said the operational budget covers sweeping in each town up to four times a year with the period ahead of Tidy Towns judging priortised.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, backed his collagues and said it should be investigated for use at events and festivals.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, said Durrow, Abbeyleix and Rathdowney would benefit as the current service is not sufficient. He also outlined a practical purpose in preventing flooding.

“If we clean our streets there is less garbage going down our drains...there is nothing as bad as dirt streets,” he said.

Cllr Bracken asked if Laois County Council Director of Service Donal Brennan would address the request.

“I will talk to my colleagues in roads to see budget is spent,” he said.

Cllr Bracken interjected whe Mr Brennan mentioned that some of that money would be spent on potholes.

“Hang on now. I did not put this motion in to sacrafice any current services. We want a committment in the provision of a road sweeper,” he said.

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Mr Brennan said the request was noted.

The issue was raised at the Borris-in-Osory Mountmelllick Municipal District Meeting in November.