'Appalling' road at Coillte's Togher Woods in Portlaoise

Coillte who own Togher Woods, a popular walking spot in Portlaoise, is being requested to repair an "appalling" road surface leading to the bog.

Sinn Féin Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley described the condition of the road, as she tabled a motion asking for Laois County Council to request the work, in a meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

"We're all familiar with this road. Many people go out walking there and people bring home their turf too. The bit owned by the council has been resurfaced over the years. Two people bringing home turf say the state of the laneways, and I walk them myself, is absolutely appalling. 

"My understanding is that Coillte is responsible. The rest of the lane is in a shocking state," she claimed.

Fine Gael Cllr Willie Aird seconded her motion, at what was his last meeting before being elected as a TD.

"We did to the old railway line because of it being an amenity. It's from there to the turfbanks. You'd want a tractor going up it and you'd be shook off it.

"Coillte is very cooperative on the parking area there. It would encourage more people to walk on the bog as well," Cllr Aird said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan supported the motion, saying "we should do all in our power on this".

Laois County Council has issued a letter to Coillte asking for the works.