Sinn Féin Laois councillor urges action on delayed Portlaoise houses

Laois Sinn Féin Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley is again pushing for houses in Clonrooske Abbey to be completed by a builder.

For years, Cllr Dwane Stanley pressed for the social housing in the Portlaoise estate to be completed - pictured with her party leader Mary Lou McDonald at the site in 2021.

Now that section is finished, but more private houses are still delayed.

She has asked Laois County Council to intervene, on behalf of the buyers who are left "near three years waiting on houses".

"I'm beating this drum for the past year, we have our full requirement of council houses, but I'm inundated by queries from people buying privately. 

"They are waiting since February to get in. This was a site that was given planning permission by Laois County Council. Is there anything that can be done? I am told by the foreman that there is a delay with the Irish Water connection.

"They are nearly three years waiting on houses. I have a young couple with mortgage approval in private rented accommodation waiting. They are being pushed from billy to jack. They are desperate to find out what's going on. 

"I ask if our building control officer could touch base with the developer and Irish Water. This is not the first time this has happened in Clonrooske Abbey regarding connections with Irish Water.

"At this stage people are doubting if they will even get their home," Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

She raised her concern at the October meeting of Laois County Council.

Housing officer Georgina Ireland gave her assurance of action.

"I'll get on to the building control officer and see can he enquire into what the delay is. We'll go that route first," she said.

Keys to 18 new 3-bedroom social homes in Clonrooske Abbey were given to Clúid tenants in Laois last summer.