Housing estate in Laois will not be taken in charge unless gates are removed

LAOIS County Council is unable to take a residential development in Portlaoise in charge unless its controlled entrance gates are removed to allow a public access road through it.

At a recent MD meeting, cathaoirleach cllr Willie Aird called on the local authority to take in charge the Rankin’s Wood housing estate, which is located just off the Timahoe Road Roundabout on the New Road and behind controlled entrance gates.

In a written reply to his request, planning official Evelyn Brownrigg stated that the council was ‘unable to do so at present’.

Outlining the reasons for this decision, Ms Brownrigg said: ‘We have carried out CCTV surveys of both foul and storm water sewers and have identified a number of issues, which will have to be dealt with prior to taking in charge and subject to the available funds.

‘It should also be noted,’ said Ms Brownrigg, ‘that this is a gated development. However, the original planning permission gave no indication that this was to be a gated development with controlled access.’ 

 She said: ‘As a condition of taking in charge, this development must become a public road. As long as the gates remain in place, this cannot be progressed further until the issue is resolved.’ 

 Cllr Aird suggested: “It’s up to the residents then. They can open the gate if they want, but if they want to keep it closed, it won’t be taken in charge, is that right?

“If that’s the answer (open the gates), then that’s the way,” said cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

“It’d be the legal way to do it,” said cathaoirleach Aird.