Laois Labour political couple succeed in achieving Portlaoise Covid monument

it has taken two county councillors, four years and six motions to finally get Laois County Council to install a remembrance area in Portlaoise to mark the trauma and loss caused by the Covid pandemic on the community.

A stone, donated by a local mason, and a seat are to be placed in the People's Park on the Timahoe Road.

Portlaoise Municipal District staff say the installation will be in place in mid December, subject to weather conditions.

Cllr Marie Tuohy tabled the sixth motion with the request, to the November district meeting.

"This is good news. It's going on a while," she commented.

Her husband, former Labour Party Cllr Noel Tuohy had tabled motions on it in 2021, 2022 and 2023. He then retired early due to Parkinsons illness and Cllr Marie Tuohy was coopted to his seat, later retaining it in the 2024 local elections. She took over the campaign.

"I tabled one in 2024 and again in May 2025. I'm happy to think it will finally be complete.

"Terry Swaine of Portlaoise Stone has offered a plaque free of charge, he is generous as always in supporting local projects. 

"We all know the trauma of Covid times, the loss, the bereavement, the lack of opportunity for normal funerals. We need to mark this time in our history. This offers an acknowledgement to those who passed and to their loved ones," she said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan seconded the motion, which requested a progress report and completion date.

"This is a lovely concept. It will be another attraction to the People's Park, it is an ideal area," he said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly described a similar installation that exists in Abbeyleix.

"We have one on the Rathmoyle Road close to the hospital. It is used on a regular basis. I am delighted the work will be complete before the end of this year," he said.

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Cllr Paddy Buggy agrees.

"It does need to be commemorated in an appropriate way," he said.