'Huge money' for paths and lifebuoys for angling pond in Laois town

'Huge money' is sought to rejuvenate the main square in a Laois village, while it is also getting more lifebuoys for its pond.

The growing village of Ballinakill is home to Laois' only public heated outdoor swimming pool run by the community, as well as an angler's pond. It is also next door to the OPW's Heywood Gardens and woodlands. 

Ballinakill also however has trip hazards in its square with people falling regularly, according to a Laois councillor.

It will take huge money to fix it, says Cllr John Joe Fennelly.

He tabled two motions to the June meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking for improvements for Ballinakill. 

Firstly Cllr Fennelly asked the council to include Ballinakill on the application for Town & Village Renewal Scheme for 2025. Laois County Council Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey replied that Ballinakill Square is included.

"That's absolutely great news. The square is widely used. The hall there is used for bingo. Around the hall are trip hazards. I know three people that have fallen on the old style kerbing. We had prices got, they were huge money. I am delighted it is in the Town & Village application. I hope it's successful and that work takes place as soon as possible," he said.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Barry Walsh said it is good news for Ballinakill.

Secondly, he asked Laois County Council to supply extra lifebuoys for Gills Pond, Ballinakill. That motion was seconded by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

In reply to that, the council's water safety development officer Ann Marie Maher said the council suppolied ring buoys, boxes and poles for Gills Pond previously.

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"We will supply additional units on the understanding that these are erected in compliance with the appropriate guidelines by the local group at locations determined by the risk assessment," Ms Maher said.

Cllr Fennelly said anglers had asked him for the lifebuoys.

"There are a good few there but an inspector told them to try and get more. Ann Marie has come up trumps," he said.

The Town & Village Renewal scheme gives grants for regeneration projects in towns and villages, from €50,000 to €500,000. In 2023, three Laois projects in Ballyroan, Mountrath and Rathdowney received almost €1 million between them.