Laois playground's wooden structures 'rotten' claims councillor

Play equipment in a Laois public park is to be fully replaced by next year, with claims made by councillors that timber items are “rotten” and "dangerous".

However Laois County Council insists they are safe to play on.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan tabled a motion to the March meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking Laois County Council to audit and inspect playground equipment at the People’s Park and also at the leisure centre.

"With the days getting longer and weather improving, more families are using the playgrounds," he explains.

"The big issue In Páirc an Phobail, is a lot of the equipment is wooden and is rotten. It needs to be replaced, it’s in a bad way. I know that sections were removed and they need to be replaced and that’s great that’s coming. 

“There is only one toddler swing there. Parents would love to have two or three so they are not all waiting for a turn. 

"There is no toddler swing at the moment the leisure centre playground. I expect that’s part of the new equipment that’s coming. I’m glad to hear about the fencing as well. There’s a lot of complaints about dogs entering the park, it’s not enclosed.

"The swings there are not suitable for younger children aged four or five, it’s too high they can’t get up.

"The wheelchair swing is fantastic to have but it is not working. I am glad plans are in place,” Cllr Mulligan said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion.

"The response here is very positive, the council has to be acknowledged for that. Down through the years there would have been lots of difficulties and lots of money put in particularly at the leisure centre playground. 

“It’s good news for the residents and the whole community. We’d like to see more playgrounds with the growing population but  compared to other countries across Europe we are doing well,” she said.

On the Páirc an Phobail playground, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said “personally I wouldn’t bring children there”.

”Some pieces of equipment are dangerous. Parents don’t use it because they say they are nervous,” she added.

Director of Services Simon Walton said the equipment is safe.

“No doubt the equipment in Páirc on Phobail is dated but it is still fit for use. If not it would be cordoned off and taken out of use. It is subject to ongoing inspections and we are committed to an upgrade,” he said.

The council’s sports office say that they have sourced funding to replace half of the equipment in the Páirc an Phobail playground this year.

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The playground is in the People’s Park which runs from Summerhill to JFL Avenue. They are awaiting delivery of equipment.

"It is hoped that the remaining equipment will be replaced in 2027,” the sports office said. 

They also say that the leisure centre playground was upgraded in 2023 and 2025. Some parts are ordered while fencing at the back will be replaced this year, with inspections done weekly and maintenance yearly.