Another 'off Laois' dog park suggested for Portlaoise town

A second Laois dog park for pets to run free has been requested to Laois County Council.

The park would also be in a Portlaoise public park, if it is built.

Labour party Cllr Marie Tuohy made the suggestion, in a motion she tabled to Portlaoise Municipal District at their June meeting.

She doesn't hold out much hope that it will come any time soon.

"I decided I would start early with this one. It took seven years for the other park. It is well used now, and much appreciated.

"Given the population of Portlaoise and the number of new buildings on the other side of the town, it is a logical step. 

"It saves dogs running loose. Since Covid, people know the real value of a dog as a pet. This is a designated area where they can exercise off leash. It will reduce dog fouling in other areas," Cllr Tuohy said.

She suggests that the dog park be located in the Town Park, and asked the council to make provision for it in their future plans.

In reply, Laois County Council say there is no immediate plan for a second dog park in the Town Park, but they will keep the idea under review, while it is also subject to funding becoming available. 

Her motion was seconded by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

"The town has expanded geographically as well as in population," she said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan supports the idea too.

"We are heading to a population of 30,000 in Portlaoise. It is great to have the dog park in the Linear Park but with the amount of building on this side of town. Dogs are popular as pets. This came up a lot on the doorsteps before the election. There is a desire for it," he said.

Read also: Laois Dog Pound service is expanding

The existing dog park is in Portlaoise Linear Park, which runs beside the River Triogue off Green Mill Lane. It was built after years of motions tabled by Cllr Tuohy's husband Noel, the previous holder of her seat on Portlaoise Municipal District.