Playground call as area in huge Laois housing estate to be taken in charge

Another area in a huge Laois housing estate is about to be taken in charge.

Kilminchy in Portlaoise now has over 1,000 houses and apartments, privately built over the past 25 years or so by multiple developers, with more houses still in construction.

Laois County Council has confirmed that another section of the Dublin Road residential property area will be taken in charge by it this summer.

The Crescent is the latest road planned to be taken under the council's responsibility for lights, roads, paths and services maintenance.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley got the update after she tabled a motion to the April meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

She wanted to know the progress on taking in charge Lake Glade, Lake Crescent, Lake Drive, Lake Vale and The Crescent.

The council's planning section reported that "sections of Lake Glade, Lake Drive and Lake Vale have been taken in charge".

"The remaining areas of these sections of Kilminchy will be taken in charge once any remaining active development is completed".

Cllr Dwane Stanley said she recently met residents in the council's planning section. She is urging the council not to wait until construction is complete.

"My understanding is that it was only three months away from being taken in charge when a new developer came onstream. That pushes any possibility for those areas to be taken in charge.

"There are genuine concerns among residents for roads, footpaths, lights. It's good to see one area will come this year," she said.

She listed problems that the council could fix.

"There is no footpath where you cross to the pub and shops. A lot of residently climb a high dyke that gets very mucky. It would be fantastic if there was a path in conjunction with a pedestrian crossing from the Sue Ryder centre. 

"There are issues with groups congregating. the new path around the lake is flooding. There is a little weir with a railing that nearly goes into the lake when you touch it, it's not safe. A lifebuoy is lying in the lake. The box it's kept in, a child would be able to move it.

"Lastly, the only recreation facility is a basketball court. There must be 1,000 or more houses, we have been lobbying for years for a small playground, Kilminchy absolutely warrants it. The residents say the ideal location is in the same green area as the basketball courts. 

"I've no problem giving some of my discretionary budget towards these small asks," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

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Cllr Tommy Mulligan seconded her motion.

"I know the frustration of residents at how long these processes are taking," he said.

Cllr Paddy Buggy said "Kilminchy is as big as Stradbally".

"It needs more resources, it's a huge area out there on the edge of town. I hope you can do something to look after the residents and tenants," he said.