Calls to clean up 'horrible' stained statue of Laois politician

The condition of a statue of a famous Irish politician in Portlaoise has been branded "horrible".

A clean-up has been urged of the statue of James Fintan Lalor outside Laois County Council headquarters.

The pointing statue is of a Laois revolutionary, writer and political activist, so respected that the avenue beside his statue is also called after him. 

However the condition of the statue and stone plinth has been criticised.

Cllr Marie Tuohy tabled a motion to the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking for it to be cleaned.

"This statue was erected in 2005. The site was given by the council, who have an onus to maintain it. Given the importance of its history, it's important it's well kept," she said.

The Lalor clan had asked to get it cleaned, following the 175th anniversary wreath laying ceremony in June 2025.

Laying of wreath at the James Fintan Lalor statue at County Hall Portlaoise: Margot Coogan Chieftan of the Lalor Clan, Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming, Michael Rainey Chief Executive, Laois Co Council  and elected members. Photo: Michael Scully

It coincided with a visit by delegates of the US city of Franklin and Williamson County in Tennessee that is twinned with Laois. See photos of the event here.

Cllr Paddy Buggy seconded and went a step further to describe it as "horrible".

"I was approached by the Lalor clan and I did speak to corporate affairs about this, I know an investigation is underway. This came home to me when the Americans were here and we had a photo beside it, it looked horrible," he said.

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Laois County Council say they are investigating the different materials in the monument, to ascertain the best way to clean it.