Frustration boils at Laois Council over streetscape

A Laois councillor expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of progress in improving the appearance of Portarlington’s streetscape. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins asked in a motion that Laois County Council give an update on the undergrounding of the overhead cables on French Church St and Upper Main St.

In a written response, the Roads Department, said: “Road Design will contact Cllr Mullins and these works will be assessed. To date, Road Design have not proposed any further works at these locations.” 

Cllr Mullins said he had first tabled the same motion in March of 2024 and noted that “nothing has happened.”  He said he tabled the same motion a second time in December 2024.

“I was told the Council has carried out a survey,” he explained.

He argued that the Council said it had carried out the survey and work could be progressed subject to funding. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Cllr Aidan Mullins

“That’s where it was ten months ago. Now I am told you are going to contact me to see how this works,” said Cllr Mullins.  

He told the meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District that the thinking appeared to be, “Mullins will go away and he will forget about this. That’s not going to happen,” he assured the meeting. 

He praised the underground of cables and streetscape work that had previously been carried out in Portarlington and said all he was requesting was an extension of that work. 

“What frustrates me is the responses over different intervals of time,” he said. 

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He acknowledged that there had been changes in staff at the Council. However, he said, “I just think this is not getting any attention and I think it is very important for the streetscape.” 

Director of Services Julie Bergin said “I will follow up and come back to you with a reply on that.” 

The motion was seconded by Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming.