Laois residents concerned at loss of access to amenity pond in Portlaoise
A pond in a residential area of Portlaoise has been off limits for some time, and residents want it back.
A new housing estate under construction, ironically named after the 2 acre pond area, has meant it is out of bounds for residents in the area who enjoy the nature amenity.
It has been cordoned off from what is the construction site for several years, and while scheme was expected to be completed by 2024, it is still incomplete.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan tabled a motion to the May meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking Laois County Council to engage with Woodfort Group, the developers of An Lochán, to reopen the amenity area at the pond, which is at the end of Summerhill Lane.
On hearing the reply that it will be reopened when the estate was built, he said he is “delighted”.
“I think a lot of residents were looking for clarity. It’s a lovely pond and this amenity area is used by residents of many local housing estates.
“With the commencement of the estate, it was blocked off. There is a lovely gravel pathway there, there’s benches, it’s open to the public. There’s ducks in it, there’s swans, herons, and I know it’s a meeting place for a lot of local people of all ages. Particularly the elders and the walkers and children,” Cllr Mulligan said.
The Laois planners assured Cllr Mulligan that access to the pond is part of the planning conditions.
“Permission was granted for a residential development at this site which includes the provision of an amenity green area, a walkway around the lake, and a pedestrian access to Beladd. These elements form an integral part of the permitted scheme and are required to be delivered as part of the overall development.
“The council notes that construction works on site are well advance, and the amenity area, including the walkway, will be provided upon completion of the development in accordance with the terms of the planning permission.”
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion.
“It’s been a few years since I had anyone raising it with me. It obviously still is an issue now,” she said.
An Lochán will have over 90 homes, with seven of them to be sold under Laois County Council’s Affordable Home Scheme.