'Sewage on people's driveways' in Portlaoise residential street

Portlaoise residents are suffering raw sewage spilling out onto their driveways, while they wait for Uisce Éireann to fix the problem, according to councillors.

Laois County Council has asked for a "prompt response" from the national water company to explain what they plan to do, to help the residents of Collier's Lane.

It was Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald who brought it to their attention, in a motion she tabled to the February meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

It is not the first time it has happened, as she explained.

"I've had this issue before and there were some issues addressed in Collier's Lane, but there's still a few houses with serious issues. Some houses have pretty serious problems. Some were done, some weren't. Pipes were changed in some gardens, they weren't changed in other gardens.

"I'm asking when Uisce Éireann comes back to us, let us know exactly what's going to happen. 

"It's serious for the people that are dealing with this. If they get heavy rain it's a huge problem," Cllr Fitzgerald said.

Portlaoise Municipal District chair Cllr Paddy Buggy agreed. He said he understood there is a problem with the sewage pumping station. 

"Sewage is coming up on people's driveways," he said.

Read also: Families receiving emergency care after fire rips through Laois apartment block.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion, which asks "that this council address the sewerage problems on Colliers Lane". 

Laois County Council waterworks senior engineer Adrian Barrett said the motion is forwarded to Uisce Éireann and a prompt response is sought. Members will be updated when it is given.