Landowner contacts community group over 'eyesore' hoarding in Portarlington

A landowner has contacted a community group who had written requesting works on an unsightly and potentially unsafe hoarding in Portarlington. 

Portarlington Community Development Association(PCDA) wrote to the landowner voicing their concerns over the state of the fencing at Botley Lane on February 5. 

“The hoarding has become unsightly and a public safety hazard for the past number of years. Last year a poor attempt was made to replace some of the hoarding (five panels), however the problem persists.

The residents of Botley Lane and community of Portarlington (Including tidy towns group and Community Development Association) would appreciate if common sense and good will prevail with the hoarding that is long past its expiry date and be replaced with a standard wooden fence,” the letter stated. 

Chairman of PCDA, Aidan Mullally said he had received a call from the landowner who wished to get the matter resolved. 

“I have spoken to the owner.  He has been in contact with me and he says he wants to get the issue resolved,” said Mr Mullally.  

Pictured above: Aidan Mullally in Botley Lane

“I was glad to get his call first and foremost. The letter worked,” said Mr Mullally. 

Mr Mullally said the hoarding has been unsightly for a long time and it is an issue for local businesses and was visible for people visiting Derryounce lakes and trails. He is hopeful that action will now be taken to improve the boundary. 

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PCDA were not the only group to express concern about the issue on Botley Lane, an area which is prone to regular flooding. 

Portarlington Tidy Towns have also tried to have the issue resolved. 

“We have been lobbying the council for a number of years about this hoarding. It is an eyesore, dangerous and unacceptable. We urge you to go to the environmental section of OCC so your complaints, concerns are lodged in an official capacity. We need to join together to get this sorted. Strength in numbers,” they wrote on social media. 

It is hoped action will now be taken to improve the boundary in Botley Lane.