December date for Portlaoise Covid memorial
A memorial stone that was installed in Co Clare for those who died during the Covid pandemic. File image
A REFLECTION area in Portlaoise for those who died during the Covid pandemic is set to be completed in mid-December, more than four years after it was first proposed.
The small Area of Reflection is located inside the pedestrian access to the People's Park, on the town’s Timahoe Road.
An update at the November meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District (MD) confirmed that work has begun on the installation of the long-awaited site, which will provide peaceful seating areas for people to remember loved ones lost during the devastating pandemic.
The update was given to Cllr Marie Tuohy, who has repeatedly asked about progress on the project over the past few years.
In a written response, a council official said: ‘Portlaoise MD office has commenced works on the installation of the Area of Reflection in Páirc an Phobail, Portlaoise. It is intended that these works will be completed by mid-December, subject to weather conditions.’
It is expected that an official opening will follow soon after the works are completed.
Welcoming the news, Cllr Tuohy recalled that the Covid Area of Reflection was first proposed by her husband and then-councillor Noel Tuohy in July 2021 and again in 2022, while she had raised the issue twice since then.
She said: “I am happy to think that it will finally be completed. We all remember the terrible Covid time and we need to mark this time, to acknowledge those who passed away and their loved ones.”
Cllr Tuohy added that Terry Swayne of Portlaoise Stone Centre, who was always very generous regarding local projects, had offered to provide the cap stone free of charge for the Area of Reflection.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan said the site was “a lovely concept” and the entrance to the People’s Park was an ideal location.
Cllr Paddy Buggy agreed and said: “It does need to be commemorated in an appropriate way.”
District cathaoirleach Cllr John Joe Fennelly pointed out that the memorial area in Abbeyleix was used regularly and one was also needed in Portlaoise.
When she previously raised the issue at a council meeting last May, Cllr Tuohy said: “In Covid, people were robbed of the opportunity of normal funerals. Elderly people would like to have a place to sit with their thoughts.”
The Area of Reflection is being funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), run by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
