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25 Oct 2025
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25 Oct 2025
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Pictured: Portarlington in the People's Park under construction in February
Laois County Council hopes to have a new playground open for the May Bank Holiday Weekend.
The new playground had been due to open earlier this month but the project has been dogged by acts of mindless vandalism.
Further vandalism of the yet unopened children’s playground in the People’s Park in Portarlington in recent days has caused anger and frustration locally.
Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins said “people are genuinely angry because there is so many parents with kids can’t wait for it to open.”
Cllr Mullins said the playground would be very busy if it were open on a sunny day like today.
He posted images online of the recent damage which was caused to a bench.
“More damage in the People's Park by the mindless morons we have in town. How has it come to this? If you have any info on those responsible please come forward,” he posted beside an image(Pictured Below) of the latest damage.
“That is the third or fourth incident. They breached the temporary fencing there knowing it is not open,” he said.
Due to a previous act of vandalism at the playground a new part had to be ordered from Italy. The part was dispatched on Monday and Laois County Council are hopeful that it might arrive ahead of an inspection which has been scheduled for Thursday evening.
“If the part comes hopefully this week; inspection immediately and open straight away,” said Cllr Mullins, who explained that it was contingent on the part arriving.
While he is optimistic about the prospect of the part arriving and the inspection approving the opening of the playground, Cllr Mullins said he has concerns about the ongoing vandalism. He believes the community will need to police the issue by reporting any anti social behaviour.
“I just fear for when it opens is there going to be more serious damage and anti social behaviour,” he said.
READ ALSO: Over 6,000 learner drivers in Laois as demand for tests 'unprecedented'
Cllr Mullins said while there is a need for more gardaí in the town, he’s not convinced extra gardaí alone could prevent such vandalism.
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