Portlaoise boundary 'error' could affect house sales

Residents of two Portlaoise estates are being contacted by the council over a long running boundary issue which may affect house sales. 

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, who told the meeting that her own niece was one of the residents affected by the boundary error. 

She tabled a motion asking:  “That Laois County Council correct the boundary error between Knockmay and Newpark.”

In written response, Senior Executive Officer at Housing, Georgina Ireland stated that: “A recent request for a boundary rectification in respect of the lands to the rear of a residence in Newpark Estate raised a query in relation to the general boundary between Newpark and Oakleaf Place and how title was originally divided in respect of land between the two estates. Laois County Council acknowledges the issue raised and will be contacting the residents involved to address the matter.”

Cllr Fitzgerald said “there is a boundary error there and there is a good few houses affected. If anyone applied or anyone wants to sell their house it is a problem, so I am happy that Laois County Council are going to address it.” She said it would offer “peace of mind” for the residents if the error is corrected.  

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Seconding the motion, Cllr Willie Aird said “I can remember the old drain that was along there before they started building at all… That went the whole way to the Ballyfin Road and it affects the village as well up there.”

Cllr Aird said work needs to be  done on the boundary at that location as well to reach an agreement that will “appease everybody” as the issue is the same. “It runs the whole way right up to the end of Newpark right onto the old road.”

Lending her support to the motion, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said, “if you are selling your house, or anyone is trying to buy your house that boundary has to be resolved.”