Hedge approved to replace trees cut down at Laois swimming pool
A hedge is going to be planted along the road to a Laois community swimming pool, replacing tall trees that were cut down.
Laois County Council has agreed to plant a hedge on the road into Ballinakill's outdoor swimming pool.
At the request of local councillor Cllr John Joe Fennelly, they will also consider placing kerbing and drainage along the small road.
It may also be resurfaced in 2023.
"Works to replace the hedgeing will be carried out in early 2023. The location will be considered for drainage works and kerbing in quarter one of 2023, subject to the availability of drainage funding in 2023.
"The L-77974 in Heywood Demesne will be examined for consideration for road resurfacing as part of the 2023 roads programme," engineer Wes Wilkinson said.
It is in response to a motion tabled by Cllr Fennelly to the December meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.
He requested a kerb line on the road, along the back of the houses in Heywood Village housing estate, "and a hedge to determine the natural boundary".
He also asked for the road to be resurfaced because it is frequently used by walkers.
"The road to the demesne should be included as its a very busy road for walkers and cyclists," he said.
"In fairness, between the angling pond, the playground and the pool, it's a well used road. You put a path on the right hand side but on the left where you took the trees out, there is no natural boundary any more. Ballinakill Tidy Towns contacted me about it," Cllr Fennelly said.
He had requested the removal of the tall evergreen trees earlier in the year, at the request of neighbouring residents.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion and said she walks the road into Heywood every weekend, praising it as "a fantastic facility".
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald described Ballinakill as "a jewel in the crown" and one of the best amenities in Laois.
"Anything that can be done should be done, it has huge potential for Laois," she said.
Cllr Barry Walsh supported the motion also, praising the local development committee for their hard work.
"We need to support them, it's great to see it used so much," he said.
The small Laois town's development committee has renovated the outdoor heated pool, the only one in Laois, as well as working with Laois County Council to install a playground and carpark in the past year.