Progress on €500,000 revamp of Portarlington park questioned
Councillor says vandalism has occurred at the park
Progress is needed on a €500,000 revamp of the People’s Park in Portarlington as vandalism and damage are occurring in the meantime.
That was the message from Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.
He tabled a motion asking “that Laois County Council give an update on the programme for the upgrade of the People’s Park in Portarlington.”
In a written response, Town Regeneration Officer, Denise Rainey stated that: “The detailed design in respect of the central plaza and edible garden are currently being finalised by the appointed landscape architects. The area office has undertaken to complete these works. A timeframe on completion can be provided at the end of April.
The tender has been advertised in respect of the upgrade of the playground equipment and once a supplier is appointed in mid-May, a definite timeframe for completion can be provided. Quotations are currently being sought for park furniture and every effort will be made to have this in place for the summer months.”
Cllr Mullins welcomed the response and said he was glad to note there was progress and he welcomed the fact that Ms Rainey was working on the project. However, he pointed out that “half a million of a grant” was given to the project in 2022.
“Now it is going to be mid to late 2024 before we see any outcome,” he said.
In the meantime, he claimed there has been damage and vandalism at the park.
“The condition of the People’s Park in Portarlington, it is not good. It is not being well maintained,” he said.
He said the local committee needs to be “kept in the loop” in relation to the project.
“The committee members don’t seem to be aware of what is happening in the background,” he remarked.
Fine Gael Cllr PJ Kelly said the €500,000 would “do wonders” for the People’s Park.
“It is a very busy area, it is well utilised,” he said.