'Absolutely massive' Portlaoise park trees blamed for damp house

A family living next to a public park in Laois say their health is suffering because of the shade of trees.

The homeowner is using four dehumidifiers to combat dampness in their home, and claims it is impacting on their health.

Laois County Council is being urged to trim back trees bordering two houses in the Downs housing estate in Portlaoise, next to the People's Park.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley tabled a motion with the request, to the Portlaoise Municipal District's February meeting. She had paid a visit to see for herself.

"In the backyard the trees are absolutely massive. In summer there is not a bit of sunlight getting into their property. 

"I get that the people's park is looked after and trees are trimmed but these are boundary properties, they are not in a position to trim trees in a public park. 

"The family are using four dehumidifiers in their property. I couldn't believe when I saw it. There is that much dampness and water, I've witnessed this myself. They told me the impact on their health is massive. They told me it's going on for five years. They wrote to everyone in the council, they feel, not my words, they feel they are being given the runaround," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

"They are convinced that the problem is exacerbated by the height of the trees. The way they are completely overgrown. There are only two houses affected in this part of the estate. 

It's not a massive job. I'm not asking to go and clip down the trees in the back of the entire estate, it's two properties that are badly affected. They are very disappointed at what is going to be done this year. They cannot sustain the impact on their health. It is impacting. I ask that some money is found somewhere. The trees do need to be cut down properly to allow light into the property. If that was to happen there wouldn't be as much damp. Seeing is believing and I couldn't believe what I saw when I visited the property," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

She said she is "not happy" with the response.

The Portlaoise MD office said in reply that they "prioritise tree surgery works in open spaces and public places on the basis of risk assessment relating to public safety".

"Portlaoise MD office has carried out tree works at this location previously. No further works are planned for this location in 2026".

Cllrs Tommy Mulligan and Catherine Fitzgerald both supported the motion.

Cllr Fitzgerald added a thanks to Laois County Council for cutting back trees on the main route into The Downs.

Read next: VIDEO: Rat infestation in Portlaoise estate pond

Cllr Paddy Buggy meanwhile said that another resident from The Downs contacted him because they want to put solar panels on their house.

"The trees are blocking the light. It's an awkward one because if you cut the trees down for one house, then all the other houses want theirs cut as well. I understand from a health point of view, I'm not disagreeing. We do need to look at that particular case," Cllr Buggy agreed.