Portlaoise residential park bench burnt down amid residents' concerns
Laois County Council was recently alerted to anti-social behaviour
A park bench has been burnt to the ground in a Laois housing estate, following a recent to Laois County Council about anti-social behaviour.
A bench appears to have been burnt down overnight, with this image taken on Monday May 11. It is located at one of the three lakes in Kilminchy housing estate in Portlaoise.
The estate has park benches and a walkway around its drainage lakes, a popular walking spot for residents, installed with public money.
However some of the residents who live next to the lakes had recently asked Laois County Council not to install any more without their permission, because they were also becoming a focus of youths gathering.
Some weeks ago, Cllr Paddy Buggy raised their concerns and their request, in a motion to Portlaoise Municipal District.
"I believe there is a major difference of opinion between residents in the vicinity of the lakes. They have stressed that they do not want benches. the general consensus is that they will facilitate anti-social behaviour, just outside their homes.
"I ask that you strongly put money instead into recreation facilities at the basketball court area. Do it in a way that is more acceptable to residents in the area," Cllr Buggy had urged.
His motion was seconded by Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council.
However Cllr Marie Tuohy dissented.
"I've been contacted by residents who have diverse opinions. The paths around the lake are age friendly so seating is a big part of enjoying that. I believe that at an AGM of the management company, a vote found the majority in favour. I feel that the interests of many should not be hampered by a small few," she said.
Cllr Buggy responded.
"If they were outside your front door you'd have serious concerns about anti-social behaviour. The people I spoke to were all solid decent people who had genuine concerns. There's a lot of young families with children living there, paying their mortgages and property tax, they should have a say on their vicinity. I think we need to respect that as a council," he said.
In reply to Cllr Buggy's motion, Portlaoise Municipal District had said it would liaise with residents through Kilminchy Management Company.
A resident of Kilminchy had come to the council meeting, and afterwards told the Leinster Express / Laois Live what the concerns are.
John Cowig said that the residents near the lakes were outvoted by the management company.
"I know there is anti-social behaviour. Two benches were installed in November 2024, there are no lights near them. Nearly every evening groups of teens are gathering and go round the trails on their bikes and scooters, even though no bikes are allowed.
"I'd be happy for a playground to be installed instead. Last week a group of teens kicked a door of a house close to the benches," Mr Cowhig said.
The 'green masterplan' for Kilminchy approved back in 2019.
Kilminchy in Portlaoise was largely built during the Celtic Tiger, by multiple developers, with more houses still under construction.
A plan to install a playground by Kilminchy Management Company back in 2011 had failed over residents' concerns at its proposed location.
A €580,000 green masterplan was approved by residents in June 2019.
It was to include a playground, an outdoor gym, community garden, forest parks, paths, benches and road safety measures, with 75% funded by public money, the rest to be be fundraised by residents.