Call to underground more cables in Laois town

Undergrounding of overhead cables on French Church Street in Portarlington could begin in 2025, a council meeting was told. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins asked in a motion “that Laois County Council underground the overhead cables on French Church Street and Upper Main Street in Portarlington as part of the street upgrade plan.”

He said the motion, which was seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Paschal McEvoy,  was similar to one he had the previous March. 

Senior Executive Engineer, Philip McVeigh responded to the motion. He said: “Laois County Council has carried out a survey of these streets in terms of the extent and routes of existing overhead lines and the underground ducting and footpath works required. A cost estimate has been prepared and this scheme could be progressed subject to available sources of funding. In the meantime, discussions with the utility providers(ESB and Eir) could be progressed to confirm their works requirements.” 

Cllr Mullins said he was a little bit disappointed in the response. 

“Are we able to say what the sources of funding will be?” he asked. 

Mr McVeigh outlined potential sources including footpath funding, active travel, and the Towns and Villages Renewal Scheme.

Acting Director of Finance Julie Bergin noted the footpath funding was already assigned. 

“There is no allocation in footpaths in 2025 but there may be other sources,” she said. 

Cllr Mullins asked about a timeline if sources could be secured. He asked would it be possible to start in 2025 if funding was secured. 

Mr McVeigh agreed that it was possible. He said the work could be done separately to the works on Main Street. 

Cllr Mullins said it should be looked at along with the ongoing work on the square and Market House in Portarlington. 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Paschal McEvoy expressed some concern about the mention of funding which he said was “always a red flag”. However, he said if Cllr Mullins believed progress could be made then he was glad. 

The issue was discussed at the December meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.