Laois council can't delay community ambition for hall and playground

Laois County Council should not cause any delay in efforts being made in Clough to build a new community hall and playground, a public representative for the area has said.

That was the appeal made by Cllr John King, Fine Gael, when he met recently with Laois County Council officials in Portlaoise.  

Cllr King tabled a motion calling on the Council to engage with Clough Community Vision Group in supporting them with their plans for the new Community Hall and playground. He said new site is now secured for these projects.

The Clough Community Vision Committee told the council in March 2020 that it aimed to new build facility on a centrally located donated site in the village close to Clough NS. The plan for a new playground was also flagged at the time.

Cllr King said an application has been made to Laois County Council and this is being processed by the council.

He said the Tidy Towns will be responsible for the upkeep of the playground for what he said is a ‘booming area’.

He appealed for the council to fully be expedient in its handling of the process.

“I don’t want the council to hold up anything on the planning or the sports section side,” he said.

It was endorsed by Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, who praised the work being done in the community on a number of fronts.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, also backed Cllr King’s appeal. He added that Ballacolla should also get a playground.

“They are badly needed,” he said.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, was also supportive.

Pamela Tynan, Acting Senior Executive Officer in the Council’s Community Section replied in writing.

“Council staff have met representatives of Clough Vision in recent weeks and are providing advice and ongoing support,” she said.

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The issue was raised at the Borris-in-Ossory Moutmellick Municipal District meeting.