Abuse and assault in Lyster Square
Anti-social behaviour in Lyster Square, Portlaoise was highlighted at a council meeting on 14 October. File image
ABUSE, intimidation and even assault of passers-by in Lyster Square, Portlaoise have prompted a call for the removal of public seating in the car park.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan said he received a lot of complaints about anti-social behaviour in the square, as groups are “loitering” around the public benches, drinking and shouting abuse at shoppers and staff.
“One lady told me that she was assaulted and the guards were called to make an arrest. There is also a lot of aggressive begging,” Cllr Mulligan told a Portlaoise Municipal District council meeting this morning.
He added that anti-social behaviour is a particular problem for people using the post office, saying that elderly people are getting dropped off and picked up because they are afraid to walk to the post office on their own.
He said: “Groups are loitering and congregating at these benches, some drinking and involved in anti-social behaviour. Customers and staff have received abuse from groups sitting around there.”
Cllr Mulligan proposed that Laois Co Council remove or relocate public seating in the Lyster Square car park, replacing the existing benches with planter boxes.
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald agreed and said: “There have been numerous complaints and calls to gardaí, so I would support anything we can do to ease anti-social behaviour there.”
In a written reply, a council official said the layout of seating in the car park ‘will be examined, in line with the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) upgrade proposals for Lyster Square’.
A €12 million revamp of the town centre is currently at the early design stage, with a primary focus on the enhancement of Main Street and Lyster Square.
The project is expected to include attractive green spaces and pedestrian-friendly initiatives in Lyster Square. However, there may have to be a rethink of early designs in view of councillors' complaints, as indicative drawings feature extensive stone seating in the upgraded square.
URDF funding for the overall scheme totals €9 million, with €3 million provided by the county council.
