https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/section/1239/advertise-with-us
Bringing you live local breaking news, sport, politics, weather & more in Laois
All the latest breaking local news from Laois County
Keep up to date with the latest sports news
Read all the latest Irish news and updates from around Ireland
Catch up on all the latest business news in Laois
Find all the latest jobs vacancies and news in Laois
Read the latest crime and court news from Laois
Find whats happening in and around Laois
Enjoy our award winning photos and picture galleries taken in Laois
Read about the latest properties available in Laois
Enjoy our latest and up to date motoring review and news in Laois
Recent death notices and obituaries from Laois
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.
Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.
If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .
Support our mission and join our community now.
A fire in Hepburn Court where antisocial behaviour has been an issue
Approval has been granted to construct 54 modular homes at Hepburn Court in Portlaoise.
The plans were warmly welcomed by councillors who approved the project at a meeting of Laois County Council on Monday.
Director of Services in the Housing section of Laois County Council, Angela McEvoy said the area had been subject to antisocial behaviour but the plans would create a passive supervised area.
Proposing the scheme, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley described the plans as long awaited and she thanked Ms McEvoy and all of the council staff who had worked on the project.
She said it was initially a private housing estate but “it was left in dreadful state after being burnt out.” Cllr Dwane Stanley said “there has been huge difficulties there, particularly for the residents on the Ballyfin Road.”
Welcoming the new plan for the new development, Cllr Dwane Stanley said it was “long awaited and I want to acknowledge and thank Angela and the staff behind the scenes.”
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Thomasina O’Connell said there were a lot of hurdles behind the scenes. She too thanked Ms McEvoy and the staff. She also welcomed the use of modular housing, which she said would mean “it is going to be delivered faster.” The modular homes will be largely constructed offsite before being brought to the area for final construction.
Cllr O’Connell also acknowledged the antisocial behaviour and dumping which had plagued the area in the past. She said the investment in this development should change that and “give people a reason to keep the place tidy.”
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald asked that a perimeter wall, not a fence, be built around the site. Ms McEvoy said that could be a condition for the development.
New Laois Council Cathaoirleach speaks of 'incredible honour'
New Laois Council Cathaoirleach speaks of 'incredible honour'
Welcoming the project, Cllr Willie Aird said “lessons have to be learned from what happened down there.” He recalled the antisocial behaviour and the “whole place burnt down” which he described as unbelievable. He said: “It was awful what happened and I hope that I never see that again as a public representative.”
He too said he wanted a block wall at the site and he said fences and panel type fences were not wanted. He claimed Esker Hills in Portlaoise will need a wall and said, “you mark my words, Laois County Council will build a wall down there.”
Cllr Noel Tuohy described it as a good day for the people of Portlaoise and the surrounding areas. Agreeing with his council colleagues, he said, “timber framed fences should be outlawed.”
To continue reading this article for FREE, please kindly register and/or log in.
Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!
Best dressed winners Harry Cowap and Olive Foley with celebrity judges Doireann Geraghty and Greg O'Shea
Paddy, Jamie, Oliver, Nicola, Katie, Curragh, Treaux, Harry and Elsie Brennan with Jade Pennington
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was speaking to the Institute of International and European Affairs
Laois club a hotbed of the GAA
The Garden of Vegan aka Vegilicious for all your vegetarian and vegan options at Forest Fest
People First Credit Union launches Cultivate Farming Finance
EXPLAINER: Do I need physio after a Total Knee Replacement? by Laois Physiotherapy Clinic
Fun for all the family at the Old Fort Festival!
Greenshine at Forest Fest | The big hit and soundtrack of the summer at Emo village this July
Forest Fest | A family-friendly festival where children come first
A fire in Hepburn Court where antisocial behaviour has been an issue
Sean Culleton, Tony Scully, Glenn Bradshaw and Peter Siney
Landmark and historic pub in Offaly going up for auction with attractive guide price
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.
This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.