Council unsure if enough water and electricity for growing Portlaoise

Laois County Council is asking the ESB and Uisce Éireann how further Portlaoise can keep growing.

Portlaoise is still expanding fast, across housing, industry and school sectors, but just how bigger it can get relies on power and water supplies.

Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald asked for an update from Laois County Council on the availability of the services for future developments, at the May meeting.

The answer is that they will write to the ESB and Uisce Éireann and ask for confirmation.

Cllr Fitzgerald said such knowledge is "vital".

"We as councillor should have all that information. What infrastructure have we in Portlaoise and what can we provide in the next ten years? I hope we are not too long waiting for a response," she said.

Seconding her motion, Cllr Barry Walsh said that "to make informed decisions, we need clarity on this as soon as possible".

Director of Services Simon Walton said he agreed.

"The availability of these services underpins development. Portlaoise is unique. In 2002 its population was 12,000. By 2022 it had doubled to nearly 24,000. By any comparison that's an extraordinary rate. Since 2022 there are also signs of growth.

"While there is provision of water and electricity from our own developments, there are some areas where ESB engineers are concerned at the capacity to supply ongoing developments. The Mountrath Road is one. The wastewater treatment plant has issues in areas for capacity.

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"There are ongoing very considerable developments in Portlaoise, both commercial and residential. All the current needs are being met. This motion is very timely. I'll invited two officials to come and meet members and discuss capacity in Portlaoise and across Laois. We will try and arrange a workshop," Mr Walton said.

"We do need that information," agreed the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Buggy. 

Planning permission was recently lodged to upgrade Portlaoise wastewater treatment plant on the Ridge road. Read about that.

As well as hundreds of new houses under construction, Portlaoise is getting a new 1,000 pupil secondary school and a new regional Garda headquarters, with a new courthouse to follow in the coming years.