Retiring Laois councillor's final request goes to the dogs
A Laois councillor's very last motion has literally gone to the dogs.
Cllr Noel Tuohy is retiring early on health grounds this January due to having Parkinson's Disease.
His final motion tabled to the January meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District, is to again request a dog park for Portlaoise.
"I first tabled this motion in 2017, after i was approached by a group who had collected 500 signaturs on a petition for the provision of a dog park. I believe there is a suitable area in the Linear Park and I visited this area with Wes [Wilkinson area engineer], and we spoke to members of the public. We agreed that this would be a good place to put the long promised dog park.
"Again I would like to say that a dog park is a safe place to bring a pet and it would be almost self-regulating. Dogs are vital companions for a lot of people, particularly those living alone or elderly citizens and it would be very beneficial to have a designated area where they could bring their pets.
"It would be great to see dog parks in other areas of the county also and I hope this happens in the near future," Cllr Tuohy said.
In reply, Mr Wilkinson said that the Portlaoise Municipal District office is developing proposals for this area, which is in the park alongside the Triogue River, between Millview and Green Mill Lane in Portlaoise.
"It is intended that a dog park would be a suitable green area where dog owners can safely exercise their pets off the lead," he said.
He said that three different new additions are being planned for the Linear Park, with Government funding to be sought.
They include the dog park, as well as a cycle park training area and the Triogue Way new path and cycletrack.
He said that the plan when complete will be shown to Cllr Tuohy, even though he will have retired.
"We might have to apply for funding, but we are looking to start developments in quarter two (April-June) and have them underway for summer," the engineer said.
Cllr Tuohy said his dog Blue will enjoy it.
"I promised my dalmation that he is going to meet a lot of new friends," he said.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley had seconded his motion.
"Dogs are part of the family now. Noel will be remembered for a lot of things, but certainly two of them will be the Covid memorial and the dog park," she said.
Cllr Aird praised Cllr Tuohy's effort to enforce muzzling of dogs on the restricted breeds list.
"Since last time you championed the cause of dogs being muzzled, we've see that dogs are being bred for muscle and viciousness. I know some look after them well, but it's time in this country that every dog is microchipped.
"They can be a danger to the public and to animals. Sheep are mauled, half their heads taken orr or eyes out, left standing in a field with their heads bowed. Every greyhound is chipped. Everyone responsible needs to stand up and be counted," Cllr Aird said.
Cllr Tuohy recounted hearing a recent case in Ireland of children being attacked by dogs.
"It's crazy to see some dogs walked around, I saw a man with two rottweilers, if they decide to run, he couldn't hold them," he said.
Cllr Tuohy's final meeting will be the Laois County Council monthly meeting on Monday, January 30.