Four Laois estates taken in charge in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Stradbally

Hundreds of households across four Laois housing estates can expect to see improvements to their roads, streetlights, footpaths and drains, after being taken in charge by Laois County Council.

Powers Court estate in Portlaoise, The Glen, Kilnacourt and Killenard Lodge in Portarlington, and Cill Beg Manor in Stradbally were proposed to be taken under council control at the September council meeting.

Director of Services Simon Walton said it will cost the council an extra €16,000 a year for road maintenance, and €7,000 a year to keep the lights on across the four estates.

Any bigger jobs that need to be done will be "put in the pot" to compete for funding with every other housing estate.

"Footpath improvements, road enhancements, traffic calming, those estates will now go into the pot with all other estates. It is good news for these estates because they weren't in that debate up to now," Mr Walton said.

Cill Beg was proposed by Cllr Vivienne Phelan, seconded by Cllr Aisling Moran. Powers Court was proposed by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, seconded by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald. The Glen was proposed by Cllr Aidan Mullins, seconded by Cllr Phelan while Killenard Lodge was proposed by Cllr Moran, seconded by Cllr Mullins.

Cllr John King wants progress on estates in his area.

"There's three estates in Rathdowney built 10 or 15 years. What advice can you give to builders for taking in charge applications? One builder is deceased, so what is the procedure for the family?" he asked.

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The Director of Services for planning and housing is Angela McEvoy.

"They are welcome to contact our engineer Eamon Cahill in planning or Jim O'Sullivan planning control officer. They can make an application or meet the lads here," she suggested.