Laois town's streetscape praised

Portarlington’s streetscape has ‘come on leaps and bounds’, a recent council meeting was told.  

The issue was discussed in a motion at the latest Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District meeting. 

Cllr Aidan Mullins asked “that Laois County Council underground the overhead lines on French Church Street and Upper Main Street in Portarlington between Bank of Ireland and Kilnacourt Roundabout." 

In a written response, Senior Engineer Roads Department Paul McLoughlin said: “The undergrounding of overhead lines at the suggested locations will be considered in the context of future public realm / footpath improvements works at the respective locations. To inform potential future works, a design and associated costing will be sought from ESB Networks.”

Cllr Mullins said he would view the work as phase two of the public realm upgrade, which he praised. 

“The whole streetscape of the town looks a hell of a lot better. The staff are to be complimented for the work that was done there,” he said. 

He said the undergrounding would greatly enhance the entire streetscape of the centre of the town. He asked if it was possible to include the work in plans for the town for this year. 

Director of Services Gerry Murphy said the proposals for the town of Portarlington were being considered but the council would have to work out how much it was going to cost and then when it would be possible. 

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Cllr PJ Kelly, who seconded the motion,  said Portarlington was his local town where he would have attended school.

“It has come on leaps and bounds as far as work is  concerned. I suppose the Market House now, that will be the cherry on the cake really,” he said.

Cllr Kelly told the meeting that the undergrounding of cables would really tidy up the area.