Owners of Portlaoise derelict 'eyesores' condemned

Owners of empty Portlaoise Main Street properties who have let them become “eyesores”, have been condemned by Cllr Noel Tuohy, who wants the owners to be forced to improve them .

The former county hotel on Main St is one such building. Laois County Council is in the process of buying the property for housing.

However, according to the Labour Party councillor there are other problem buildings.

“All the hard work by residents, and these eyesores take the look off it. They should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.

His motion at the January meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District was that “the council again request that owners of unused properties on the Main Street upgrade said properties”.

The council's Portlaoise town team is identifying such properties and all are now being contacted.

“Commitment has been given regarding an upgrade. We have identified others. We are finding it better to engage directly with them,” Town Manager Kieran Kehoe said.