1970's Laois housing estate lacking in parking spaces

A Laois housing estate built in the 1970's when cars were a rarer sight, needs a parking space upgrade, according to a local councillor.

Quigley Park is in Rathdowney, an estate of 50 houses with a large playing green in its centre.

Fine Gael Cllr John King wants some of the grass sacrificed to add more parking spaces.

He tabled a motion to the March meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District, on behalf of the residents.

It asks Laois County Council to provide extra spaces, "due to the extra volume of cars now being parked there which is causing serious congestion".

He explained further.

"This estate was started in 1975. It had 50 houses and I don't think there was even a car per house at that time. Now there are 100 plus cars. There is severe congestion. They have a large green. A similar job was done in Daly Terrace. We are only talking about seven or eight foot. 

"If the fire service had to go up there they would have great difficulty.

"Where you used to have one car per house, now there could be three because adult children have difficulty getting their own accommodation," Cllr King said.

Cllr James Kelly seconded the motion.

“We do need extra spaces in older housing estates,” he agreed.

Laois County Council staff will now meet Cllr King on site to discuss the proposals.