Dredging works at lake in built up area of Portlaoise approved

An Bord Pleanála has given Laois County Council the green light to carry out dredging works at a lake in a built up area of Portlaoise.

The local authority applied for permission to carry out dredging and the removal of silt and vegetation from a man-made shallow lake 'Glendowns' using an excavator. The site is located along the western boundary of the Glendowns Housing
Estate.

The proposed work, estimated to take three to four weeks, will involve the removal of some fallen trees and the pruning back of trees on the western side of the pond as well as the setting up and maintenance of pedestrian control measures. 

The planning documents stated that due to the nature of the proposed works, they will involve some noise and impacts to fauna in the environment. However, they do not involve any physical disturbance to breeding or resting places of any species of  conservation concern. 

"I consider any disturbance impacts will be localised, of low magnitude and brief duration," the inspector stated.

 
The board granted the application with seven conditions attached.  Including conditions that a qualified archaeologist and ecologist must oversee the works.