Portlaoise field once earmarked for houses to be given to Special School

The fate has finally been decided of a small patch of unused land between Portlaoise housing estates and a special needs school.

Laois County Council's field between St Brigid's Place, Highfield Meadows and St Francis School, was in the past considered for housing, and more recently for allotments.

The land has now been offered to St Francis School, which teaches Laois children aged 5 to 18 with learning disabillities, and has a waiting list for places.

Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said she was "very surprised" with the answer to her motion asking for an update at the January meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

She is still hopeful that there will be a bit left for allotments for St Brigid's Place residents.

"There was definitely plans for a small development of houses, that seems to have fallen off the Richter scale. The residents were looking for a patch of land for allotments. I was told that allotments in every housing estate is a priority. They put forward a proposal that if a small piece was left, could they use it. It would benefit St Francis students too," she said.

Director of Services Simon Walton said that "access was approved to St Francis School who are looking for the whole site".

"We didn't dispose of the land, we have just consented as the landowner for St Francis to engage with the Department of Education to expand their services on their existing sports area, so they can use our land for recreation.

"I think engagement is ongoing, there is no sign of a formal planning application yet," Mr Walton explained. 

Cllr Tommy Mulligan had seconded the motion, but said "I want that green area kept for recreation, I'm in favour of St Francis' getting the land and using it for recreation," he said.

Cllr Marie Tuohy wants the land "copperfastened for St Francis School".

"They are already short of spaces, they are putting in a new modular, I think they have over 40 applications with no places for them. To me, that land is their only option, it's close to the school," she noted.

Cllr Catherine Fitgerald "100% supports the council in what they're doing".

"There is a long waiting list, there are parents in distress. I met the principal, I'm absolutely delighted with this," she said.

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Cllr Paddy Buggy however also wants space for allotments as well on the field.

"People being able to grow their own food is important because supply chains could get cut off," he noted.

St Francis School got planning permission in 2025 for a two storey extension.

Also in 2025, Laois County Council said it supports the concept of allotments for St Brigid's Place, and intends to draw up a policy on allotments in Laois.

The answer to the motion given by Director of Services Simon Walton said that "Laois County Council has made the lands available to St Francis School, to undertake development that supports the expansion of services provided. It is a matter for the school to develop and to progress such proposals."