'You're expecting a gun': Woman shares details of 'terrifying' incident where she was flashed off the road
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24 Feb 2026
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24 Feb 2026
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The unused site at St Mary's Hall, Portlaoise. Photo: Leinster Express
There is a new chance for more parking at a busy Portlaoise community and sports hall rented out to Laois County Council.
St Mary's Hall is owned by Portlaoise Parish and comprises two halls, with the one off the Borris road leased to the council as a multi-use sports hall and a base for Portlaoise Panthers basketball club.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan has spotted new potential for more parking places next to that leased hall.
The demolition has taken place of a small building adjoining both halls, opening up an unused patch of land between them.
He is urging Laois County Council to put down a hard surface on it and create extra parking.
"Carparking has become a major issue at St Mary's Hall. The carpark is shared between Portlaoise Panthers who have 750 members, Portlaoise scouts, bingo and various groups.
"A huge amount of people park on the paths on the Borris Road and Dublin Road. Residents' homes that back onto the hall say that cars are abandoned outside their homes, much to their annoyance.
"This land is part of the leasehold. It is unused and open and needs work. If it was a carpark, it would benefit all the stakeholders. In my view we should utilise this underused space. Also the surface of the carpark is in poor condition. A lot of elderly groups use it and it's a trip hazard.
"I can approach the Monsignor to maybe develop it for parking, or come to an arrangement with the council for it to develop it," Cllr Mulligan offered.
Site map by Laois County Council outlining in red the hall and lands they lease from Portlaoise Parish at St Mary's Hall.
Laois County Council's Director of Services Simon Walton said they are will ing to look at a scheme to resurface the carpark.
"Having regard to the numbers that use St Mary's Hall," he noted.
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Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald supports the motion tabled by Cllr Mulligan to the February meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking the council to examine proposals for the extra parking, and carry out resurfacing.
"It's crazy there with cars," Cllr Fitzgerald noted.
"People have no choice but to park, I'm asking for some communication with local residents," added Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.
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