Not enough playgrounds for young familes in Portlaoise

Portlaoise does not have enough halls or playgrounds according to a Laois TD.

As part of his submission to Laois County Council on the Portlaoise Draft Local Area Plan 2018-2024, Sean Fleming T.D. welcomed many good features but said the plan needed a more holistic approach for the town.

"Portlaoise is not well served by community hall facilities and meeting rooms for the public.  Much of this has been left to the hotels in the towns.

"Most towns and villages throughout Co Laois have more local community facilities than are available for the general population in Portlaoise.  There needs to be a clear policy and objective stating the need to support such facilities available to the public in the town as there are very few public facilities at the moment," he said.

The Fianna Fáil TD also called for more amenities for families and children.

"There are two playgrounds currently in Portlaoise town. This is insufficient for the size of the town and additional facilities are required and they should be located near some of the new population growth areas in the town.

"Many of the towns and villages throughout the county have more facilities available for their population than is available in Portlaoise.  Again with such a young population, this issue should be given priority in terms of objectives and policies in the new plan," said the TD.

Public consultation on the draft plan closed in early May.