PICTURES: Diggers finally at work on site of 54 new Portlaoise council houses

The barriers are pushed back and the ground is being cleared to start building what is the largest estate of social houses in Portlaoise since Conniberry Way opened six years ago.

Laois County Council and Clúid Housing are building eight 2 bedroom bungalows and 46 2 bedroom two storey houses, in a new estate called Radharc Darach.

They are set to be completed by April 2026, for some of the 1,600 people on the council's housing waiting list.

It is on the council's purchased site of the demolished Hepburn Court housing estate joined with the council's field behind it, both subjected to serious anti-social behaviour over many years, on the Ballyfin Road.

A digger is pictured on Tuesday, October 29 clearing the ground, while new hoarding has been erected to prevent residents taking long used shortcuts through the field.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley had asked why hoarding was not erected yet, at the October 21 meeting of Laois County Council.

Housing officer Georgina Ireland replied that "hoarding is to go up. I am surprised it's not up yet. There were issues with public lighting. I was told it was imminent. We expect the walkways to be closed off".

Radharc Darach is scheduled to offer 54 new timber frame constructed A-rated homes ready for tenants by April, 2026.

The delivery date was confirmed this month in an update by Clúid Housing to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Cleary Doyle have been appointed by Clúid as the contractor and will be utilising timber frame construction to deliver 54 high-quality, secure, affordable homes for individuals and families in housing need in Laois County Council’s catchment area.

"Clúid’s vision is a society where everyone has a great place to live and we aim to achieve our vision by providing quality housing and services that enable people to create homes and thriving communities," they say.