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06 Apr 2026
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06 Apr 2026
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The split level carpark at Laois county hall and inset: the smashed lift buttons. Photo: Leinster Express
A promise to fix the smashed elevator at a public carpark in time for the Portlaoise Plaza Christmas Market, cannot be fulfilled.
The ten day long market kicks off this Thursday, December 14 next to Laois County Council offices, but the split level carpark will be out of bounds to anyone in a wheelchair or requiring the lift.
The vandalism was discussed at the October meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, with Cllr Thomasina Connell expressing concern on behalf of local wheelchair users, in a motion she tabled seeking urgent repair before the market.
Laois County Council Director of Services Simon Walton had replied that it would be repaired in time.
He gave a less positive update to the November meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.
"At our last meeting I said the lift would be repaired shortly. It won't be repaired because there is very significant work required to the lift.
"Our Business Support Unit met the Laois branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association and we have put alternative arrangements in place so that there will be full access to the Christmas market.
"With the information I had available I thought it would be repaired, it simply can't be," Mr Walton said.
Laois County Council and the Laois food and drinks collective, Laois Taste, are joining forces to host the new Christmas Plaza Market & Funfair.
Runing from December 14 to 23, it will feature food and drinks vendors, art and craft stalls, entertainment and games, Santa's grotto, cake decorating, and storytelling.
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