Vision needed in Laois for rapidly growing Portlaoise

A positive vision for the future to match the pace of growth of Portlaoise is much needed, according to the Green Party local election candidate for the area, Rosie Palmer.

Ms Palmer highlighted issues raised on the canvas in the local electoral area dominated by the fast-growing Laois county town.

“I've been out in the area meeting people for over a year now and the same issues are coming up day in and day out; the lack of homes, school places, healthcare, services and amenities in the town to match the growing demand.

"Portlaoise has the fastest growing population of young people and currently almost half of the population of the town is aged below 35. The make-up of Councillors needs to be reflective of that, yet I am the only Portlaoise candidate under 35.

"I know, from talking to people my age and younger, that they want to see a long-term vision for the future of Portlaoise. They want a town where they can live, work and raise a family, but there is currently a crisis in service provision.

"There is limited housing, which is far from “affordable”, there is no sports facility to match our talent, and our parks and amenity spaces are under-developed," she said.

She highlighted education

"There are no school places available in mainstream schools in Portlaoise - with the exception of the Gaelscoil and the crisis is even worse for families requiring special needs provision.

"When planning housing developments, for example, there should be engagement with the Education Welfare Support service, local school Boards, the transport section of the Department of Education and Bus Éireann, to ensure that future families are catered for.

"Currently, upwards of 200 children of local residents are being bussed to schools outside the town. This is far from ideal with a knock-on effect for family and community life and from a sustainability and climate action perspective," she said.

Ms Palmer said she has made a submission to the Portlaoise Area draft plan being prepared by Laois County Council.

"I have made a number of proposals to address a longer-term vision for the future. Laois County Council, together with elected Councillors, need to effectively plan for the future by working closely with stakeholders who see and know the needs of our growing community," she said.

Ms Palmer is one of 20 candidates vying to win seven seats in the Portlaoise Municipal District on Laois County Council.