https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/section/1239/advertise-with-us 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 Read the latest crime and court news from 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 Latest environmental and climate change news in Laois County 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 you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism A driving ban was handed down to a prison officer who was convicted of drunk driving in Portlaoise.  David Hyland(40) with an address off the Mountmellick Road in Portaloise was stopped while driving a 192D registered van at a checkpoint on the N80 at Clonreher Garda Sergeant Mick O’Connell said he stopped the van at 12.11am on the night in question at an MIT checkpoint He said the defendant failed the roadside breath test and when informed that he was being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving the defendant who was in the van with another man replied Sgt O’Connell said the defendant was taken to Portlaoise Garda Station where he was observed for 20 minutes before he provided two samples of breath The alcohol reading was recorded at 78mgs per 100mls of breath David Staunton BL said Sgt O’Connell had indicated that it was mandatory to check vehicles at the Mandatory Intoxicant Testing(MIT) checkpoint.   “If he is labouring under the view that he has to do it he is fettering his own discretion,” argued Mr Staunton He said if this wasn’t the case his client may well have been waved through the checkpoint.  Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said his colleague would be putting himself through a lot of work if he decided to test everyone who approached a checkpoint.  Judge Susan Fay said she was satisfied to convict the defendant and she asked Mr Staunton to tell her about the man who the court was told had no previous convictions Mr Staunton said his client was separated and worked as a prison officer “This is unlikely to impact on his employment position but it won’t help,” he said.  Mr Staunton said there was no application for a postponement but he did ask for recognisance to be fixed in case of appeal.  Judge Susan Fay fixed recognisance, disqualified the man from driving for three years and imposed a fine of €500 at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.  " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles 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 Tracks & Trails features Claire Byrne pictured here with Doireann Ní Ghlacáin at the Glenbarrow Falls in the Slieve Blooms Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie 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 Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie Kathleen Bracken. (nee O`Rourke) Dun Masc Portlaoise and formerly Athy and London, 3rd May 2025. Peacefully at St James Hospital Dublin. Beloved wife of the late Fionan. Loving mother to Fergus, Ronan, Dara, and Cormac. Cherished grandmother to Evan, Cathal, Cian, and Éabha. Deeply regretted by her sister Sarah, brother Michael, daughters in law Fiona, Jaqueline, and Margaret. Brothers in law Danny and Eamon, Nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Reposing at Keegans funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6.30 pm till 8 pm with rosary at 7.30 pm. Removal on Wednesday to arrive at SS Peter and Paul's Church for 11 am Requiem Mass. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery, Portlaoise. Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Date Published: CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday, memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one. Rip.ie, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, 50+ for children). Get Laois news delivered directly to your inbox. Panthers Women's (Black) team that won their Top Four title Having beaten Tullamore in the semi-final on Thursday night, the Portlaoise women set up a title-match date with a Clonaslee team that had beaten them by 14 points in the last four of the Division One Cup earlier in the season. And, while they were forced to weather another huge challenge on Sunday, Panthers managed to exact revenge as they edged a thrilling 58-55 victory. Portlaoise enjoyed a bright start to this decider, opening up an eight-point advantage, but Clonaslee were not going away, and while the gap was widened to nine in the third, they fought back to overtake by the narrowest of margins. The two sides continued to go toe-to-toe throughout the fourth, Portlaoise regaining the lead and managing to stave off their rivals down the stretch. Under 18 players Chloe Byrne and Vakara Simkus turned in huge performances for Portlaoise, while the experience of Shauna Burke and Amy Byrne also proved vital in seeing Panthers navigate the huge test from Clonaslee who were inspired by the likes of Sarah Corbet. “Clonaslee are a dogged team,” remarked Portlaoise head coach, Aoife O’Malley. “One thing I said to the girls before the game started was that Clonaslee were going to come out with fire in their belly and if we didn’t have the same fire, we weren’t going to win the game. “So we had to match them and we did. Every one of our girls who stepped foot on the floor today did their job and made a huge impact. “In the third quarter, we were nine points up and Clonaslee clawed it back. We just couldn't seem to pull away. They just had that fight and they just kept pulling it back. “But our girls just kept their heads. Their composure was brilliant. They didn't let the occasion get to them and they just made it over the finish line,” she told the Laois Nationalist. Panthers Men's (White) team who scooped D2 crown at the Top Four finals Winning the Top Four title was a feat made all the more remarkable by the fact that this Portlaoise outfit is in its first year together, and what’s more, they have not had the opportunity to train as a team throughout the entire season. “We haven’t actually had a training session as a team all season because we haven’t been able to get hours in the hall with the lack of facilities,” explained O’Malley. “We have trained with the Super League girls or with the BIDL team, but as a team for the Midland League, we haven't actually had a chance to have a training session as a team on their own. “So if we can get an hour next year that suits, I’d just like to see where that group can go, because they’re so young. The oldest on the team is 24. I’m hugely proud of them. They listen, they want to learn and go out and improve their own game all the time,” she said. It was a one-two for Portlaoise in the Women’s Division One regular season, with the Panthers Masters crowned Division One winners following their hard-fought 54-46 victory over Portlaoise Black in the penultimate game of the campaign last month. That team boasted three players among the league’s top seven average game scorers over the regular season, including Catherine Ashe in fourth on a 16.6 average with Maeve Cahillane just behind on 16.3 and Sinead Melia on 15.7. Last Sunday’s Senior Top Four Finals saw Portlaoise Men’s White scoop the D2 honour after they emerged victorious over TUS Midlands in their respective decider in St Mary’s Hall. After finishing fifth in the regular season, they surmounted Kildare Gliders seconds in the penultimate rounds of their Top Four competition before completing their march to the title at the expense of TUS. A mixture of National League competitors, young players and Over 40s, this team is captained by Greg Dunne and turned in a second half surge to prevail in Sunday’s decider, with James Phelan, Dylan Dunne and Trevor Swayne inflicting the bulk of the damage for them on the day. The playing field at Portlaoise Leisure Centre The long awaited goal of resurfacing a public pitch in Portlaoise used by soccer clubs Laois Leisure Ltd has said that spending money on the field next to Portlaoise Leisure Centre would create "a white elephant" While the centre is investing half a million euros to renew its rentable astroturf pitches at Portlaoise Leisure Centre the public pitch beside it will remain as it is, a meadow of dandelions Manager Sean Quirke addressed the issue, speaking to councillors at the April meeting of Laois County Council "A half a million is needed for Portlaoise astroturf resurfacing "The grass field was last a playing pitch in 2019 The area has struggled with multiple demons "Returning it to a soccer pitch would raise a few challenges Overall Laois Leisure is working to reduce our losses in Portlaoise Getting to the point where it washes its face To provide a grass pitch is something that would be a while elephant money wise," Mr Quirke said a soccer supporter and member of the Laois Combined Counties Football League had asked him at the meeting when the pitch would be relaid We met years ago but there hasn't been any work done really on that Clubs here have to go and source a pitch somewhere else I know there was funding earlier in the year to get it up and running Cllr Tommy Mulligan described the green as "overgrown knee high in buachalláins" and said the public had concerns Read also: Portlaoise swimming pool to close for repairs next winter Cllr Kelly has been requesting urgent work on the pitch for several years He said in 2022 that Maryborough FC must go to Ballyroan to play Midlands Celtic are playing in Portarlington and only Tower Hill were using the Portlaoise pitch The FAI declared the pitch unsafe for soccer matches as it was too impacted.  In 2022 Laois County Council agreed with residents to erect a 1.5m fence around it to keep walkers off and also to pay for reinstating the pitch A Government pledge to expand the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise to create more badly prison places is not being kept insists the Prison Officers Association.  Speaking at the Prison Officers Association Annual Conference in Galway, Tony Power, POA President also lashed out over the problems his members face in Portlaoise and other locations caused by too many prisoners being locked up in jails that are too small “Overcrowding continues to be a major concern for prison officers and is causing a potentially explosive situation within our prisons This creates huge problems for our members and creates a dangerous situation for both our members and prisoners,” he said Mr Power outlined the problems in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live “Our members should not be expected to work in these overcrowded prisons and the people in custody should not be expected to live in these overcrowded conditions. Prison is meant to be about rehabilitation but that rehabilitation is impossible when we don’t have the living space or the workshop spaces to allow prisoners to engage constructively during their sentences. An idle mind is the devil's Workshop,” he said he said the number of people in custody is rising daily On the last day of April there were 5344 in custody “This is approximately 1500 prisoners more than at this time in 2019 when I asked the then Minister for Justice to take real action to ensure we did not return to the bad old days of Pack Em Rack em and Stack Em and to the revolving door situation This overcrowding situation is a disgrace and is potentially creating an explosive situation within our prisons," he said Mr Power said the association has tried to get the Government to act “We recently met with the Minister and officials to discuss this and other issues But nothing and I repeat nothing will address this situation unless the Minister and his officials find the budget to create more prison spaces We must all move on from the annual promises," he said He claimed successive ministers have failed prison officers and not delivered "Previous ministers made hollow promises of 650 extra spaces with new builds promised for Cloverhill Midlands and Castlerea and a four-story block on the grounds of the old Separation Unit in Mountjoy Two years on and not a sod has been turned on any of these projects,” he said READ ALSO: Daily drone deliveries to jails Power concluded that the safe working capacity of Irish prisons is 4300 over 1000 less than what is currently in custody but if we don’t find an immediate solution to this problem we will have a tragic event or some form of crisis on all our hands,” he said Speaking at the conference, the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan admitted more has to be done He did not refer to the building of a new prison at the controversial Thornton Hall in North Dublin as is committed to in the Fianna Fáil / Fine Gael / Independent programme for Government The land was purchased for a prison for €30 million The Minister responsible for its purchase was Michael McDowell He was one of the few politicians who maintained support for the project until the current Govermment decided to resurrect the plan after the General Election in 2024 Portlaoise CBS land dealings subject of RTÉ investigations The sale of a prime Laois land in the heart of Portlaoise by the Christian Brothers has been put under the microscope in a new RTÉ documentary which revealed that a convicted child sex offender who was principal of the Laois school was also central to how the religious order runs its property dealings The programme examined how the Christian Brothers have sold and parcelled off millions of euro worth of property around the State while victims of child sexual abuse and the State have struggled to be compensated for the damage individual brothers have done to children which was covered up by the Order for decades RTÉ investigates found that the sale of former school land in Laois contributed €30 million to a second redress scheme deal to compensate victims agreed to by the Order.  Former senator and Leinster Express editor John Whelan told RTÉ the Christian Brothers had originally committed to handing over the Portlaoise site as part of the redress scheme to make recompense for the cost to the state of the abuse "The Brothers backed out of that deal and reneged on their promise," he said RTÉ reported that the Brothers offered cash instead, but Laois County Council needed the land at Towerhill adjoining Portlaoise Train Station for housing and a public car park that could be used by commuters tried to purchase the property from the Christian Brothers," said Mr Whelan the programme reported that the Order sold to a private developer. This left the council having to purchase the land for the car park from the developer RTÉ reported that the cost of purchase and construction of the car park amounted to €1.35 million The State spent a further €5.5 million under a capital leaseback arrangement for social housing on the site Building work on the Portlaoise CBS lands after it was sold to private developers That left two buildings still in the ownership of the Brothers - the former Georgian residence and the original school buildings It emerged that the residence was sold privately for an apartment development has been rented for adult and secondary school education and to LOETB at a cost of over €800,000 It was also highlighted that it has been nearly 30 years since the last Christian Brother taught in Portlaoise and approaching two decades since the CBS relocated to the Borris Road the Order has retained its presence at the new school that was funded by the State on the Borris Road READ ALSO: Laois views sought on violence and abuse one public transport Another revelation to emerge was the activities of a former principal of Portlaoise CBS. Br Martin O’Flaherty was jailed for historical child sexual abuse in six successive trials over the last three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court when he was sentenced to five years on 15 counts of indecent assault on seven boys at Kilkenny CBS Primary School between 1976 and 1981 He was principal at Portlaoise from 1985 to 1091 He was also a senior member of the Christian Brothers’ leadership for Ireland England and Europe in the 12 years from 2002 to 2014 The Christian Brothers were contacted by the Leinster Express / Laois Live for comment The programme can be viewed on the RTÉ Player. Performers at the 2025 Utsave Midland Indian Fest An amazing day of Indian culture is returning for the second year to Portlaoise this summer Utsav Midlands Indian Fest will take place again at Portlaoise GAA Club on Saturday Registration has started for the Tug of War competition an event of huge popularity among Irish Indian communities Also held on the day is a Grand Reels competition with Indian music and dance troups bringing the delights of India to a Portlaoise field The fest also offers a range of authentic Indian cuisine Its special guest for 2025 will be Basil Joseph an Indian film director and actor in Malayalam films See photo gallery from the 2024 festival here. The Leprino cheese manufacturer in Portlaoise has circulated a letter amongst employees explaining that redundancies may occur for the factory to increase efficiency This most recent letter dated April 29 explains the redundancy terms being negotiated between SIPTU union representatives and management “During the first meeting it was agreed that the initial focus should be on agreeing the structure for the new shift pattern clarifying working hours and shift premium,” the letter read Pictured: The Leprino cheese factory at Portlaoise Enterprise Park “The Union also asked that we consider accepting expression of interests for voluntary redundancy SIPTU asked that the redundancy terms offered would be above the statutory minimum and again we have offered to enhance redundancy terms “Whilst the company has made proposals to SIPTU in relation to the above terms nothing has been proposed from the union that would remove the need to consider making redundancies," it said the company said it wishes to meet with staff individually to "avoid the need to make compulsory redundancies" The letter does add that a final decision has not been made in relation to the continued employment The company's earlier March letter outlined the rationale for the restructuring would be "to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs to support business growth" to ensure the business is "set up in the best way possible to face current and future challenges" Leprino explained that all direct operator roles in production and a number of indirect roles in ancillary and support functions It said the roles that will not be impacted by this consultation include maintenance engineering and site service roles.  The mozzerella factory in Portlaoise during construction phase “We will endeavour to provide clarity on exactly which roles are potentially affected as early in the process as we can,” Leprino has said Leprino offered employees the opportunity to discuss the impacts of these changes on an individual level and any suggestions employees may have to avoid compulsory redundancies “We will also want to ensure that we have recorded accurate information regarding your skills and knowledge as well as your absence levels as these may all form part of the selection criteria,” the letter read “We will also want to ensure that you fully understand the company announcement and how this relates to you we will listen to any questions or concerns you have and explore alternative employment options “It is important to stress that this letter does not mean we have made a final decision in relation to your continued employment,” the letter finished Potential changes proposed include ‘the reduction of direct labour to move from a 4 shift annualised hours pattern to a 3 shift annualised hours pattern that supports a maximum of 5.5 day working week’ and ‘the reduction in indirect roles associated with a simplified 5-day operation’ Leprino has told employees that they hope that these changes will be complete by the end of May and all those affected to be issued with a decision Leprino has expressed that they are aware that such messages are ‘rarely welcomed and can cause upset and worry’ and have offered HR support to workers.  Pictured: a worker in the former Glanbia factory The factory are reconsidering the necessity of their ‘on call’ basis for their 2026 rota Due to the lack of requirements for Sunday shifts The 2026 rota will also include an additional two hours per week "The recommendations would mean a move away from the current 4 shift working pattern to a 3-shift scenario,” a spokesperson for Leprino told the Leinster Express / Laois Live "We’re discussing these proposals directly with our staff and working closely with union representatives through a full and open consultation process to align on the best approach and the state-of-the-art facility at Portlaoise – which was purpose-built in 2020 to make high quality mozzarella cheese – remains crucial to our strategy "We are proud to be a contributor to the Irish economy as both an employer and supporter of Irish dairy," the Leprino representative finished is part of the Leprino Foods Company of Denver Leprino Foods Company is a world leader in the production of premium-quality dairy food and ingredients The Portlaoise development, which was announced in July 2018, was the first big client to set up in the Laois County Council driven National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise.  It is located near the M7 Togher interchange on a new access road built by the Council that also links to the town's Clonminham Industrial Estate. Glanbia previously said 100 people work at the plant and has a production capacity of 45,000 tonnes of mozzarella cheese per annum The 40,000-metric ton facility requires significant amounts of dairy ingredients - the equivalent of 400 million litres of milk a year to operate Leprino Foods employs approximately 5,500+ people worldwide and has global sales in over 79+ countries. The business' expanding international presence provides access to key markets across the globe This includes the EU and UK with plants in Llangefni Northern Ireland; and Portlaoise in the Republic of Ireland In 2023, Glanbia sold full ownership of the factory to Leprino for €200 million.  The two firms partnered almost 50:50 in the Portlaoise plant which went into operation in April 2021 making pizza mozzarella cheese for the European market A bus driver working on the new Portlaoise town service was the victim of a ‘very serious’ recent assault by a homeless man is accused of assault causing harm and causing €800 criminal damage to a glass panel bus door at Dublin Road Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court on April 25 and went in voluntarily to Cloverhill.   “The State would be strenuously opposing bail,” he told Judge Susan Fay when the bail application was made.  Garda Eoin McMahon said he would be objecting to bail based on the seriousness of the charges He said it would be alleged that the defendant smashed the window and assaulted the bus driver at the Dublin Road at 7.45pm on the date in question.  He said a call had come in from the bus driver and “you could hear him being assaulted at the time.” three ambulance staff were attempting to hold the man down He said the man was “screaming and covered in blood and trying to kick out” at both gardaí and paramedics.  “I saw Glenn O’Neill being held down by three paramedics covered in blood in an extremely aggressive state,” Garda McMahon said “We had to use pepper spray,” he added.  Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said “this is the new bus service that is running in Portlaoise.” Garda McMahon said it was Sgt Kirby then asked about the damage to the bus.  Garda McMahon said the defendant  had been asked to get off the bus because he didn’t have a bus pass and that was when the damage occurred “The driver got up to look at the damage and then was assaulted.”  Garda McMahon said the bus driver has had to have a few hospital visits and suffered bruising to his eye sockets.  Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had a bus pass but had been unable to locate it quickly enough She said the man had mental health issues and had some temporary accommodation which may no longer be available She said he would now have to apply to Laois County Council for emergency accommodation.  Ms Fitzpatrick said if he was released on bail her client would agree to provide a new address in 72 hours provide a contact number and engage with mental health services.  “I would be seeking bail on condition he work with mental health services,” she said She said the incident “seems as though it is not at the most serious end” of offending.   He said while the defendant enjoyed the presumption of innocence he said he would have “a serious concern for the safety of the people of Portlaoise.”     “I would think it is on the upper scale of the offences,” he said.  He said the defendant had been “in a violent rage” when he attacked the bus driver and remained “highly aggressive" afterwards head and elbow areas,” said Sgt Kirby.  He said it was a serious assault and a file will be prepared for the DPP.  Ms Fitzpatrick said her client was willing to abide by strict bail conditions and there was no evidence that he would commit serious offences if released on bail.  Judge Susan Fay said the defendant comes before the court an innocent man She said having heard the totality of the evidence she was satisfied to admit the defendant on bail subject to strict conditions The conditions included that he provide and address within 48 hours provide a mobile number where he is contactable have no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged injured party that he stay away from all forms of public transport and that he attend mental health services.   Judge Fay said she would extend legal aid to cover a report from a mental health specialist.   She remanded the defendant on bail to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on May 12.  A probation and restorative justice report was ordered for a woman who admitted behaving in an abusive or threatening manner in a Rathdowney restaurant.  Rathdowney pleaded guilty to the offence which occurred at Haroon Curry House Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had written a letter of apology and had called in to the restaurant to apologise to the injured party “This gentleman very fairly said he just wants to get on with his business,” she said.  Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said a victim impact statement was handed in to the court He said the woman has six previous convictions.  Judge Susan Fay noted that this was her fourth conviction for engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour in the space of a year.  Judge Fay ordered a probation report and a restorative justice report and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on September 4. She remanded the defendant on bail subject to strict conditions.   " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g, ' To continue reading this article, please subscribe and support local journalism! Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles. 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! Tracks & Trails features Claire Byrne pictured here with Doireann Ní Ghlacáin at the Glenbarrow Falls in the Slieve Blooms. Pic: RTÉ 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. Completed in 1805, the existing courthouse along the town's Main Street replaced an earlier one destroyed by fire in 1782 and has since been labelled as past its sell by date For years, local people and councillors have called for the existing courthouse along the town’s Main Street to be removed from the centre of the town. Violent and ugly clashes have been witnessed along the Main Street on court days. Shop owners report higher incidents of theft from their premises when the courts are sitting. Young mothers and elderly have expressed their fears and say they fell intimidated of having to pass by crowds of people who congregate outside the courthouse. While footpaths are regularly blocked by prison vans and garda cars. Completed in 1805, the existing courthouse replaced an earlier one destroyed by fire in 1782 and has since been labelled as past its sell by date, while the Irish Court Service agreed some years ago that the old building was no longer fit for purpose. The green field site for the new courthouse is located on lands behind the Aldi store, off James Fintan Lalor Avenue. It was deemed the ideal location to construct on because of access to it from the Southern Circular Road which connects the Abbeyleix and Timahoe Roads. Back in 2017 when Frances Fitzgerald was the then Justice Minister she said that the new courthouse in Portlaoise would be dependent on the availability of funding and that while detailed specifications for the proposed new courthouse were not developed, she said the potential site may need to be capable of accommodating an appropriately sized courthouse for the area and he expected it to be a six courtroom venue. It may be the case that no foundation will be laid from now until 2030 because the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2030 contains courthouse development projects to be completed during its period in 11 counties - Galway City, Wicklow Town, Portlaoise, Tralee, Roscommon, Naas, Bray, Navan, Swords, Tallaght and Dun Laoghaire. But that hasn’t stopped councillors in Laois raising the need for a new courthouse at every opportunity that they can get. The latest being at the April meeting of Laois County Council when cllr Tommy Mulligan called on the council to request an update from the present Ministers for Justice and the Office of Public Works (OPW) on their plans to construct the new courthouse. Cllr Mulligan said: “This has been highlighted a few times over the years, but it can’t be highlighted enough. It needs to be prioritised by the OPW and funding needs to be made available. Cllr Mulligan said: “We’re in a great position for it (new courthouse). The land is bought by the OPW, and Laois County Council and the government have committed building it by 2030. But I’m fearing and asking is Laois going to be left behind, again. “Since the land was purchased over five-years ago, there’s no plans in place. We need a timeline and a commencement date. There’s a fair chance that this is going to be another broken promise.” “It’s been a struggle for this a long, long time now, in relation to this new courthouse,” said cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley. She said: “I remember years ago when I had my own little barber shop there (around the corner from the courthouse) and businesses around the area dreaded Thursday’s coming (criminal court sitting day). There were (prison and garda) vans there and the whole town choked up. It looked dreadful. There has been difficulties outside the courthouse down through the years with many incidents taking place. “From what I know, when this was raised by our TDs, Portlaoise wasn’t in the OPWs plans. It’s about getting it into the plan first of all. We need to meet with the relevant ministers and try push this along.”  Cllr Marie Tuohy said: “This has been going on for so long and motion after motion has been brought in (to council meetings). It just seems to be really bad luck, for want of a better word, for Main Street. It is quite intimidating at times. It basically takes over the whole street, whether you are walking or driving along it. People often ask what day is the court on, and when you tell them they say they are not going into town. It’s a beautiful building that could be used for nicer projects.”  Councillor agreed to seek a meeting with the OPW Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to push forward their demands for a new courthouse in Portlaoise as soon as possible. Laois County Council is investigating the possible use of waste heat from industry to warm homes.  Minister for the Environment Darragh O’Brien revealed the plans in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward on April 10.  Deputy Ward asked “if initiatives such as the Tallaght district heating scheme that reuse heat from an existing data centre could be replicated across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”  Minister O’Brien said Government policy recognises the contribution that district heating can make to Ireland’s climate and energy goals and has financially supported the development of district heating networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund my Department published a District Heating Steering Group Report containing a suite of recommendations for the development of district heating in Ireland It is recognised that the use of waste heat from data centres within district heating networks has the potential to be an effective tool in decarbonising Ireland's heat sector and this is also strongly encouraged by European legislation such as the Energy Efficiency Directive,” Minister O’Brien explained.  “My Department is aware of a potential pipeline of district heating projects including involving private developers working in partnership with Local Authorities and State Agencies These include a project in Blanchardstown which is being actively progressed by Fingal County Council and a project which Laois County Council is currently investigating and which would make use of waste heat from a local industry.” READ ALSO: Tractor and Truck Run launched The Leinster Express/Laois Live has contacted Laois County Council's Community Climate Action Officer for comment but has yet to receive a response.  Singers, songwriters, poets and creatives travelled from all corners of Laois and beyond to attend an evening dedicated to sharing original music and spoken word. Turning the concept of the traditional open mic on its head, the event focused on celebrating original work, with pieces performed for the very first time, tunes created on the spot and original music and voice filling the room. Delighted with the success of the event, organiser Paul Dermody said: “We had a fantastic first night in our Spotlight Sessions open mic for original work in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, where songwriters and poets from as far away as Tipperary gathered to share ideas and meet other artists. Bringing you live local breaking news, sport, politics, weather & more in 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. To continue reading this article, you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles! Alternatively, you can pay €0.50 per article, capped at €1 per day. Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism! The Laois U-16 Camogie team claimed the All-Ireland ‘B’ title with a dominant second-half performance that secured victory over Kildare at Coralstown Kinnegad GAA on Saturday afternoon. Laois had trailed by four points at the break having played into the wind, but with the breeze at their backs in the second-half, they made sure it would be them that would be lifting the trophy at full-time. Laois knew that a goal pucking into such a strong breeze would be a great platform to build on. They raised a green flag in the 10th minute as Holly Brennan played a great ball into Boyhan, and she turned her marker before drilling the ball past Éabha Reid. Kildare began to dominate possession with Laois struggling to get the ball up the field. Sinead Shine and Aoife Treacy pointed for Kildare before they went ahead thanks to a goal from Maria Kavanagh. The Kildare number 14 pulled on the ball along the ground after a ruck, and it somehow manage to creep into the Laois net. Laois goalkeeper Alison Kenna also pulled off a great save to deny Shine a certain goal. Laois replied with two points on the trot courtesy of a second Boyhan 45’ and a great score from Lucy Ryan. Kildare ended the half with a goal and a point without reply to go into the dressing rooms ahead 2-5 to 1-4. Kavanagh raised the white flag before Corcoran added a goal to her earlier point with a great finish from close-range. Laois couldn’t have imagined that they’d make such a great start to the second-half as they came out and scored 3-4 unanswered to put the game to bed by the 43rd minute. Boyhan pointed a free with Ryan firing the ball back over the bar from the resulting puck-out. Kildare almost got a goal against the run of play, but Shine’s strike hit the crossbar. Lauren Fitzpatrick and Boyhan fired in a goal each in the same minute as Laois started to press Kildare and they struggled to win their own puck-outs. Boyhan tapped over another free and one from play while Fitzpatrick raised her second green flag with a great finish from a tight angle. Holly Brennan was doing superb work in the Laois inside-forward line and she was finally rewarded with her first score of the game in the 43rd minute. Kildare’s first score of the second period didn’t come until the 45th minute, but it reduced Laois’ lead to seven points as Corcoran got her second goal of the contest. Kenna had to be on their toes to make a great save from Isabelle Kelly after she struck a shot with plenty of players standing in front of her. Boyhan put another free between the posts for Laois with Corcoran doing likewise for Kildare. A fifth Laois goal would be scored late on as Lucy Ryan took her tally 1-2. Boyhan ended the game with a point from play as she was named Player of the Match with 2-8 to her name. Pictured: the Leprino factory in Portlaoise A Laois factory has announced it will be reducing its operational hours with jobs of workers on the line Employees of the Leprino cheese factory in Portlaoise are in talks with management and SIPTU Union representatives following the announcement of reduced shifts A representative from Leprino EU confirmed with the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they will be reducing staff hours "We have opened a consultation on some proposed changes to shift patterns at our Portlaoise factory," a representative said we are proposing to spread production at the site more evenly throughout each calendar year to improve the efficiency in line with evolving market demands and advancements in our manufacturing processes "The recommendations would mean a move away from the current 4 shift working pattern to a 3-shift scenario In 2023, Glanbia sold full ownership of the factory to Leprino for €200 million.  The two firms partnered almost 50:50 in the Portlaoise plant which went into operation in April 2021 making pizza mozzarella cheese for the European market The development, which was announced in July 2018, was the first big client to set up in the Laois County Council driven National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise.  It is located near the M7 Togher interchange on a new access road built by the Council that also links to the town's Clonminham Industrial Estate. Glanbia previously said 100 people work at the plant and has a production capacity of 45,000 tonnes of mozzarella cheese per annum Leprino Foods employs approximately 5,500+ people worldwide and has global sales in over 79+ countries. The business' expanding international presence provides access to key markets across the globe. This includes the EU and UK with plants in Llangefni, Wales; Magheralin, Northern Ireland; and Portlaoise in the Republic of Ireland. PJ O’Shea, 20 O’Moore Place, Portlaoise was charged with the theft of two Easter eggs valued at €30 from Aldi, Kylekiproe Road, Portlaoise on 9 April. Defending solicitor Philip Meagher said that if bail was granted, his 32-year-old client would give an undertaking not to enter the town centre and stay away from all retail outlets in Portlaoise. The court heard that Mr O’Shea had a drug addiction, about which he said: “Is that why you didn’t give me my methadone, or call a doctor for me?”   Judge Andrew Cody went on to remand the defendant in custody to Tullamore District Court on 16 April and granted free legal aid. The court was told that while gardaí were on patrol at Station Road, Portlaoise on 14 October last they stopped a car that was driven by Lauren Gill, 5 Churchfield Court, Castletown.  There was no insurance on the car and Ms Gill said she would produce the documents at Portlaoise Garda Station, which she failed to do. Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerlad said that his 41-year-old client “is mortified for having to appear in court. She’s a very hard-working woman who works in a local restaurant. She thought that she had been covered under her son’s insurance policy but now knows that she should have had her own insurance”. Noting that the defendant had no prior convictions, Judge Deirdre Gearty convicted Ms Gill of having no insurance, fined her €350 and, using her discretion, said she would not impose a driving disqualification. J17 National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise An international pharma company is expanding to Laois BNL Sciences which is part of the international company Caldic supplies chemicals to the biopharma market It is going to build a new plant in Laois County Council's self-developed J17 National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise councillors will be asked to approve the sale of a 3.71 hectare serviced site in the park The park is already home to a host of other big companies who snapped up the serviced sites next to the M7 Motorway They include Alpha Drives - sponsor of the new Laois Rose Most recently, Midland Steel expanded from their Mountmellick plant to the park, creating up to 70 jobs.  BNL Sciences describe their role as providing "custom-made solutions and high purity specialty chemicals excipients and biological raw materials to the (bio)pharmaceutical Laois County Council bought the land to develop the J17 park from Supermac's founder Pat McDonagh to create large numbers of homegrown Laois jobs following the failure of the IDA to do so in the county It followed a survey that found some 10,000 workers were leaving the county daily for their jobs Speaking at the opening of Midland Steel's plant Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said the IDA would do better to attract high quality jobs to Laois BNL Sciences has been asked for a comment on their plans Laois County Council produced its vision for the J17 National Enterprise Park in a master plan in 2018 The plan's aim was to set out a detailed vision for the lands at Togher to deliver a viable economic zone focused particularly on heavy logistics and other uses associated with the transport industry “This has the potential to be a major boost to the economy of Portlaoise and to contribute to the growth of the county and the region as a whole," says the plan This Masterplan aims to achieve the following goals and objectives which are designed first and foremost to deliver the vision for the articulation of the lands as a National Enterprise Park • To secure the town’s role as one of the leaders for economic growth in the Midlands area; • To contribute to the prosperity of Portlaoise by facilitating the provision of adequate land for enterprise including sites at suitable locations for industrial commercial and where appropriate small business uses having regard to spatial planning environmental and transportation requirements and compatibility with adjoining land uses; • To maximise the beneficial return of public investment in the National road network by protecting the safety carrying capacity and efficiency of such routes; • To support and protect the existing economic base and seek to diversify the economy through inward investments at key growth areas within the town and the environs; • To provide a positive gateway into the National Enterprise Park and Portlaoise The Council commissioned Arup to prepare an updated Masterplan for the Togher / Clonminam lands to develop and deliver the most effective presentation in terms of layout and design land management and traffic modelling in the context of the Portlaoise Local Area Plan (2018 – 2024) The plan is available at www.laois.ie/wp-content/uploads/J17-National-Enterprise-Park-Masterplan-Document-2018.pdf He made his decision at Portlaoise District Court, when Rachael Luxford, 30 Rathgoggin Place, Charleville, Co Cork was before him for dangerous driving on 1 September last on the M7 at Ballydavis, Portlaoise. Defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that her client “was bringing her daughter to Mondello Park”, to which Judge Cody said: “She thought that she was in Mondello Park.”   Ms Fitzpatrick said that her 24-year old client was driving a car on the day that she had just purchased and that “there was more horsepower in it than it had been made for”. Ms Fitzpatrick asked Judge Cody to consider reducing the summons to careless driving, to which he replied – “168km. It’s too high. I’m not reducing it.”  He went on to convict Ms Luxford of the offence, fined her €300 and disqualified her from driving for two years. He also fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal. Kathleen was the beloved wife of the late Fionan. Loving mother to Fergus, Ronan, Dara, and Cormac. Cherished grandmother to Evan, Cathal, Cian, and Éabha. Deeply regretted by her sister Sarah, brother Michael, daughters-in-law Fiona, Jaqueline and Margaret, brothers-in-law Danny and Eamon, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home, Portlaoise on Tuesday evening 6 May from 6.30pm until 8pm with Rosary at 7.30pm. Removal on Wednesday 7 May to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise for 11am Requiem Mass. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise. poets and creatives travelled from towns and villages all over Laois and beyond for the first ever Portlaoise Spotlight Sessions at the Dunamaise Arts Centre USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY Local musician and joint organiser Paul Dermody said: "We had a fantastic first night in our Spotlight Sessions open mic for original works in the Dunamaise Arts Centre last Thursday where songwriters and poets from as far away as Tipperary gathered to share their work and ideas and meet other artists The Spotlight Sessions is a celebration of creativity and individuality READ NEXT: Radio presenter to deliver women in business event in Portlaoise Land Development Agency that identified lands adjoining Saint Fintan's Hospital in Portlaoise, that has the potential realise up to 960 homes. The request for the information came from Independent cllr Mulligan who said: “I know that the lands hasn’t been identified under the government’s housing strategy, so far, nor is it zoned for residential use by the council, but there is concern from the public and they don’t want to see houses going into that area. They want that green area protected. It’s parks and green areas that people want to see around the centre of town, if at all possible.”  Speaking at the April meeting of Laois County Council cllr Mulligan said: “I understand that there is a shortage of housing and a need to build houses, but houses can be built on the outskirts of the town. Anything in the centre of the town we should be protecting and any green areas we have should be used as amenity areas.”  Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley supported the call for information from the HSE on any plans it may have for the grounds adjoining the hospital. She said: “There has been discussions about a link road joining the Dublin and Stradbally Roads, that would go through grounds on Saint Fintan’s. We need amenities and we also need houses. I’d have no issue about building houses on the town’s fringes.”  The council’s director of services Simon Walton said: “The Land Development Agency has its own raison d'être. It’s their report. We will liaise with them about their thinking around this.”  He said the plan for the link road is an objective in the Portlaoise Local Area Plan, “for a road connection from the exiting roundabout on the Stradbally Road, through the HSE lands onto the Dublin Road and that objective remains.” A woman appeared in court accused of deception involving bank transfers totalling €100,000.  Waterford appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.  She is accused of deception in relation to the transfer of €80,000 at the Bank of Ireland Solicitor Raymond Kavanagh argued that there was a jurisdictional issue in relation to her appearance at Portlaoise District Court He said she was arrested in Waterford on March 11 and released on bail.   “She should have been released on bail to the next sitting in the district court area or within 30 days,” he argued He said his client was in the courthouse but not in the courtroom.  Judge Andrew Cody asked that she be brought into the courtroom.  “I will bring her in under protest,” said Mr Kavanagh.  Judge Cody said there was no evidence of deliberate or conscious violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights and he was satisfied that the court had jurisdiction Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the DPP had given directions and he requested five weeks to compile a book of evidence in the case.  Judge Cody adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on May 5 for service of a book of evidence and weapons being smuggled into jails in Laois and other parts of Ireland on an unprecedented daily basis The activities of criminals at jails in Portlaoise and elsewhere was outlined at the Prison Officers Association Annual Delegate Conference in Galway by General Secretary Karl Dalton “The level of contraband in our prisons is at unprecedented levels to the extent that prisoners are now storing drugs and phones such is the level of contraband already in circulation “The current netting that covers a lot of our prison yards is not sufficient These nets have been burnt through by firebombs dropped by the drones; in some cases they have collapsed under the weight of snow leaving some prisons without exercise yards for prisoners Drones are so sophisticated nowadays that the only way to stop the steady flow of contraband into our prisons is to stop the drones from flying past the perimeter wall of a prison in the first place Prison officers are simply not able to intervene to what is essentially an external threat,” he said said that the Irish Prison Service is exploring a number of technology options to deal with the problem but the problem has worsened Mr Dalton addressed the Minister for Justice “The danger created by these incidents for Prison Officers is unquantifiable Officers are putting their own health and safety at risk to retrieve this contraband on a daily basis I am not here to sensationalise this issue but if drugs and even weapons(knives) can be sent in by drone then what’s to stop them sending in firearms What is it going to take to ensure that the Department of Justice takes some sort of meaningful action to address this most serious issue If it takes a legislative change and a review of interventions in other jurisdictions Minister then it is your departments responsibility to make that change READ ALSO: Prison Officers to be allowed use pepper spray “It is difficult enough to manage a significant number of our prisoners in the first place but when we then introduce a “drug fuelled” environment both the occupants and staff are at greater risk We not alone have the effects of the drugs to deal with but also the strong-arm tactics that inevitably emerge in such a drug filled environment if prisoners friends and family can acquire the technology to deliver contraband by drone with pinpoint accuracy and timing surely the state can acquire the technology to counter this,” he said The Minister for Justice said the Gardaí have reached a new agreement with the Irish Prison Service to tackle contraband Demolition work is in full swing in Portlaoise for a development which will pave the way for a major commercial redevelopment of a prime site on the Laois town's Dublin Road Extensive hoarding erected around the Leinster Express Business Park in April was soon followed by demolition crews and equipment who moved in to knock down the former Leinster Express building.  The work is being carried out to clear the site to allow for the construction of a major new filling station on the property that faces onto one of the busiest roads in Portlaoise The application was first approved by Laois planners in 2022 but was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by competitor Applegreen. ABP upheld the planning approval granted by Laois County Council. Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Richard Downey said he was relieved that the work had begun. Now that workers are on-site, he expects that progress will be swift towards completion. "We hope to have it completed by next February," he said. Mr Downey also revealed that he story would be significant in the region of "€5 million". MORE BELOW PICTURE. He confirmed that there would be extra retail space and the popular deli counter service would expand with extra seating. Under the plan, Downey's service station, one of the busiest stations in Laois and the Midlands, will relocate to the new premises and be accessed via the Colliers Road roundabout, which will be increased in size. The new roundabout will replace a temporary flat small roundabout, on what is a busy junction for traffic to secondary schools, multiple housing estates, and Dublin traffic. The applicant, Portlaoise Service Station Ltd, is backed by the Downey family, which owns the Downey Auto Stop, which is a main Ford dealership. Phase two of the redevelopment will see the existing filling station converted into a car sales and showroom. Permission for this was originally granted in August 2022. The new filling station includes a new two-storey building that will be made up of a licensed forecourt convenience store comprising of retail shop, a delicatessen area, toilets, stores, ATM, seating area with a full off-licence on to ground floor. The first floor will have staff facilities with a canteen, office spaces, plant space and external plant. There will be a forecourt with canopy, pump islands, signage, illuminated roadside totem signage, a services area, a carwash, and underground fuel storage tanks. It will have 48 parking spaces, including five for EV charging, three disability spaces and six bicycle spaces. It will have a fuel offloading point, a new site entrance, new boundary treatments and landscaping. Francis was the beloved husband of the late Betty and dear father of Deirdre, Imelda, Frank and Tom. Francis will repose in his home on Monday 5 May from 2pm with recital of The Rosary at 8pm. Removal from his home on Tuesday 6 May at 12 noon to SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise for Requiem Mass at 12.30. Burial after in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery. The funeral mass can be viewed on https://www.portlaoiseparish.ie/webcam/  Donations if desired to The National Council for The Blind. Sympathisers can express their sympathy on Rip.ie Kevin Byrne is one of the staff of The Range in Portlaoise which opened on Good Friday in the Portlaoise Retail Park.  A former employee of the previous store Homebase, Kevin give you a quick guide to whats on sale in the homewares store which opened this Easter in Laois. Predeceased by her parents Denis and Elizabeth and siblings, Maureen, Jack, Rose, and Denis. Sadly missed by her siblings, Paddy, Kathleen and Nuala and her nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.  Reposing at Keegan’s funeral home on Monday evening 5th May from 6.30 pm until 8 pm with Rosary at 7.30pm. Removal on Tuesday to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 11.00 am Requiem Mass. Interment will follow afterwards in SS Peter and Paul’s cemetery Portlaoise. Condolences can be posted on R,i.P.ie  The removal of hoarding from the facade of the former Portlaoise Presentation Convent has revealed the extent to which the landmark building is being restored to its former glory The front entrance of the historic building on Church Avenue has been revealed minus a porch added while it was in use.  Almost €30 million is being spent on renovating the building and the construction of new apartment blocks on the land surrounding the facility Tap NEXT or ARROW to see more pictures of the latest progress on the building and lands which were derelict when work began in 2024 Willie Aird interviewed on his election to the Dail Laois TD Willie Aird has been appointed to two jobs on Dáil committees The Fine Gael TD is to sit on the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection Speaking after his appointment, Dep Aird, is a former Portlaoise councillor said there is a lot of work to be undertaken by both committees which will be of immense importance to the people of Laois and beyond.  “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this work and delighted to have been appointed to the Oireachtas Committees by An Tánaiste and Fine Gael Party Leader “It is an honour to be part of any Oireachtas committee and with that honour comes important responsibility and obligations; to scrutinise draft legislation and the work of Ministers and Government departments as well as to advise on policy issues and to engage with stakeholders.  “New ideas which can better serve us are often teased out or identified at committee hearings They form an important part of our democracy.” “I am looking forward to the work of these two committees commencing and to deciding on priority areas so that we can embark on our work plan with clear objectives and determination.  READ ALSO: Laois TD tackles Minister on ASD classrooms “I take these appointments very seriously and will endeavour to serve with commitment and integrity,” Dep Aird concluded.   The Government TD was elected to the Dáil for the first time in 2024 His Fianna Fáil constituency colleague Seán Fleming is to chair the new committee on infrastructure Laois has a new household wares store with the opening of The Range in the Portlaoise Retail Park on Good Friday The shop is located in the old Homebase and features a big variety of products for your home Laois County Council County Hall in Portlaoise A councillor has claimed that towns and villages outside Portlaoise are being “neglected” by Laois County Council The claim was made during a recent meeting when Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins called for additional resources for Portarlington and other towns and villages in Laois.  He asked in a motion: “That Laois County Council provide additional financial resources for the enhancement and upkeep of the streetscapes approach roads etc for Portarlington and other towns and villages in the Municipal District.” Cllr Mullins said he had recently brought Laois County  Council Chief Executive “From one end of the town to the other you would be lucky to see two or three flower boxes that are put in by the council,” he remarked Cllr Mullins said the “roundabouts are in disrepair.”  Speaking at the monthly meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District he compared the situation to Portlaoise “where the council are able to pay contractors to keep the plants.” “I am not here to take away from Portlaoise The town looks fabulous..I just can’t understand why the other towns aren’t entitled to the same resources,” said Cllr Mullins He told the meeting that while “Portlaoise was the gold standard,” Portarlington and many other towns are relying on Tidy Towns groups to look after the upkeep of their areas.  “The first impressions of a town lasts with people and if it looks shabby the standards will drop,” he said.  Cllr Mullins said that while he was critical of the unsightlyness of derelict buildings and other visual aspects of Portlarlington it was no reflection on the council crew based there who he said do their best there with limited resources.  Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy said “once you leave Portlaoise nothing happens basically.”  Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said “I just can’t understand it We are so neglected outside of Portlaoise.”  He claimed CE(Community Employment) schemes were keeping areas looking well He claimed pedestrian crossings and footpaths are all being developed in Portlaoise.  “The pedestrian crossings are on top of each other in Portlaoise,” he claimed “Portlaoise is getting 80 or 90 percent of all grants,” said Cllr Brennan.  Independent Cllr Aisling Moran agreed with her colleagues “I can’t understand how it is a two tier system and Portlaoise gets everything,” said Cllr Moran.  Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan said she wanted to support the motion “Portlaoise is fantastic but I do think that our area READ ALSO: Lifeline for coffee business at Laois GAA club Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming said he agreed and “something needs to be done.”    Julie Bergin said “Laois County Council acknowledges the importance of maintaining and enhancing the public realm to improve the appearance and livability of Portarlington and other towns and villages within the Municipal District We will review the works required and provide the support necessary ensuring investment is targeted towards high impact areas The MD special projects allocation should also be considered for such works.”  Ms Bergin assured the councillors that she would look into the situation to see what could be done.  There will be a special RTÉ broadcast from St Peter and Paul's Church in Portlaoise on Good Friday  The televised broadcast of the Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord will this year be broadcast live from the Portlaoise church and the celebrant will be the  Very Reverend Monsignor John Byrne CG PP.  The Portlaoise Parish Contemporary Choir will perform under director Nuala Kelly. People from across Laois are being invited to join in person or tune in on Friday afternoon.  my favourite of the whole year and this year we get to share it far and wide Come and join us in person at St Peter & Paul's Church Portlaoise at 3pm or tune in live on RTE One television," shared Nuala on social media.  READ NEXT: WATCH: Meet eight of this year's Laois Rose of Tralee finalists! RTÉ to examine land such as the site of the old Portlaoise CBS residence behind the Tower Hill school Prime property in Portlaoise that was once the site of the town's CBS boys school is to come under the microscope in a new RTÉ Investigates programme on the Christian Brothers RTÉ says the upcoming documentary will examine how the big, rich and powerful educational Religious Order handled their wealth and assets, much of which was and remains tied up in school properties such as that on Tower Hill Portlaoise Portlaoise CBS was one of the many schools featured in a 2025 Government-commissioned Scoping Inquiry that predicted a vast scale of historical child sexual abuse in Irish schools The Christian Brothers had the largest number of schools and the highest number of allegations The report recommended redress for victims.  The CBS site at Tower Hill was vacated as a secondary school in 2010 after a new school campus to house St Mary's CBS and Scoil Chríost Rí Presentation Secondary was built via Public Private Partnership on the town's Borris Road The lands at Towerhill were initially intended to be transferred to the State as part of compensation for child abuse at schools in Ireland run by Religious Orders which had the option to pay money to the State or transfer properties The Leinster Express / Laois Live previously reported that the property was initially turned down by the State because of issues relating to its permitted use Then in 2017, it emerged that a CBS-established Trust which owned lands behind the school and beside Portlaoise Train Station had refused two offers by Laois County Council to buy it The council wanted to build a new public car park and social housing Later in 2017, it was reported that the same land could be part of €100 million land transfer with the Department of Education. The Irish Times reported that the Brothers wrote to Minister for Education Richard Bruton asking that he consider that the proceeds recouped by the Department would go towards the needs of future generations of children “withdrawn” their proposal for the transfer of lands as part of a Redress Scheme to compensate victims of abuse because they could not agree to the terms sought by the Department. It was reported that the Brothers reflected further on how they could reach an agreement with the State A subsequent multi-million euro development on the site comprised a new 95-space public car park and 62 residential units at Railway Street in the town centre The former CBS school remains in use for educational purposes It is leased by the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board nor is the use of a former residential building on Railway Street where members of the Religious order lived RTÉ describe the Christian Brothers order is still one of the richest It says its ageing trustees hold on to an extensive property portfolio and a significant stake in the present and future of Irish education RTÉ Investigates reporter Rita O'Reilly will examine what the Christian Brothers order owns and how convicted abusers previously helped manage its assets former President of the Royal Institute of Architects said: "I'm surprised at the number of properties Chair of the Christine Buckley Foundation which provides support services for survivors of institutional abuse in Ireland told RTÉ Investigates: "The public should own these assets They were given to an order that had taken a vow of poverty and they were given for the purposes of education." Watch RTÉ Investigates: Christian Brothers The Easter Bank Holiday weekend was a busy one for nighttime venues across Portlaoise with crowds out in force to enjoy the festivities. Photographer Stephen Murphy was out and about for the Leinster Express/ Laois Live across a number of venues including The Square Bar Tributes have been paid at the funeral of Pat Tynan who sadly passed away peacefully on Monday April 28 following an illness On Thursday morning, a large crowd gathered to attend the funeral mass in SS Peter and Paul's Church in Portlaoise Monseignor John Byrne and Fr Joseph Brophy of Ballyfin led the service with emotional poems and tributes from Pat's loved ones.  Pat's wife Marie thanked all who came to celebrate his life "Your presence has brought us comfort and support Your love and support will be remembered always," she said "Pat's support from Dr Simon Honan and the Maryborough Family Practice and the staff in Chemco pharmacy was brilliant. They were all brilliant he was treated with dignity and respect all the way through," Mrs Tynan said who proudly spoke of his children Ronan and Orla's achievements with staff and patrons of Peig's workmates and faithful customers have gathered to support his family through their loss," he said He was also not shy to make it known that he was the best barman in Portlaoise he was well known for his banter and sports chat.  "Pat had a presence that laughed and smiled He always remained proud of his roots and hurling days with Trumera which was often a catalyst for friendly rivalries across the bar counter and his father in law David Fleming only a month ago and we carry all of their grief today," he said "Pat is gone to join those who came before him where the tables are full and the songs never fade The congregation heard that following a 'short career' of picking potatoes at the age of 13 It was here that he discovered his 'natural flair' with customers and eventually went on to join Peig's Bar in Portlaoise Symbolic items were brought by loved ones to be placed on Pat's coffin a Tommy Fleming CD and a photograph of his family but a friend and colleague to many," the congregation heard his loyalties never strayed from his home club Pat relished every opportunity to playfully ridicule rival Liverpool fans." The funeral was accompanied by a slideshow of photographs of Pat with his family Peacefully surrounded by his loving family brother Brendan and his recently deceased father-in-law David Fleming friends and his work colleagues and customers in Peig's Bar Portlaoise Reposing at Keegan's Funeral Home on Wednesday April 30th from 6:30pm until 8pm with rosary at 7:30pm Removal on Thursday to arrive at SS Peter and Paul's Church Interment will follow afterwards in SS Peter and Pauls Cemetery USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY 7 Harpur's Lane, Portlaoise, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32PW9E A Laois home which was seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) last year is going under the hammer next month with a bargain guide price.  the four-bedroom property was built in the 1940s and extends to 818 sq.ft The property also boasts a large rear garden. The house would benefit from modernisation and gives the purchaser an ideal opportunity to put their own stamp on the property. It is listed with an AMV of €90,000 on Daft.ie ahead of the public auction on May 28.  READ MORE | Criminal Assets Bureau takes possession of a house in Laois Meath players including Ruairí Kinsella (11) celebrate at the final whistle in the Leinster SFC semi-final at Laois Hire O'Moore Park in Portlaoise The game had yet to formally end but a green flare sparked on the Portlaoise terrace Meath were three points up and had won a close range free The Royals needed only to kick the ball dead to finish the game and lift the weight of 15 years of Dublin oppression in the championship Only the most pessimistic Royal supporter could have conceived a scenario where Eoghan Frayne would hit the post with his free and Dublin would race downfield and work a goal that would force a period of extra-time where Meath would wither A Laois senator has called for the introduction of of temporary policies to ensure that Laois ambulances remain local following the heartbreaking death of a local mother Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has raised serious concerns about the National Ambulance Service in Laois describing the current situation as "dangerous Senator McCormack highlighted major problems facing frontline paramedics who report being sent all over the country with no system to ensure coverage is maintained in their home counties "Paramedics are routinely dispatched to Galway or beyond — and if they are stuck overnight there can be hours where no ambulance is available anywhere in Laois," the senator warned Pictured: Sinn Féín senator Maria McCormack Senator McCormack is calling for the 'immediate introduction' of a temporary policy to 'ensure that Laois-based ambulances remain within a safe radius of the county until additional resources are provided' The Senator told the Seanad about the McEvoy family from The Heath whose mother tragically passed away following a brain aneurysm in March of 2023 Despite multiple calls to 999, Lauren McEvoy, daughter of the deceased, waited over two hours for an ambulance to arrive. The ambulance was dispatched from Clara, county Offaly, while Portlaoise Hospital was only minutes away and yet the ambulance system failed her," Senator McCormack argued Families are living in fear that if they need urgent help The senator also argued that conditions for ambulance crews are worsening and health and safety standards are being ignored," the Senator slammed "Burnout and staff turnover among paramedics are at crisis levels. Laois has just one ambulance base compared to two in neighbouring Offaly despite having a larger population," she said "The system is broken and it is our communities who are paying the ultimate price." Senator McCormack concluded by calling for a full review of the centralised ambulance dispatch model an immediate investment in staffing and resources for Laois common-sense approach' to ambulance coverage "How many more families must endure such heartbreak before urgent reform is delivered?" Senator McCormack finished Laois County Council has begun the search for architects to draw up plans for 45 new homes on a long-vacant site in Portlaoise The local authority has invited companies to bid for the contract for the design of the proposed property development of a social housing scheme located behind Dunnes Stores on Greenmill Lane off Mountmellick Road The council has plans to deliver 45 new social housing units which have the potential to provide homes accommodate 135 people on the Portlaoise site the local authority estimates spending €9.6 million construction of houses When the cost of buying the land is factored in the bill to taxpayer's could end up at being over €10 million The site is located on a long vacant field on Greenmill Lane which links the Ridge and Mountmellick roads and is used by many to access Dunnes Stores supermarket.  READ ALSO: Money for social housing in Laois The council wants the design team to produce preliminary designs acceptable to both the Department of Housing and Laois County Council The team will manage and supervise the construction of the scheme and handover of the completed scheme to the Council. The Team will be required to provide the full set of services to allow delivery of the project The site originally was due to be developed privately and was earmarked for 49 houses and apartments However these plans have had to be set aside after it was purchased for social housing Councillors gave the local authority the green light to buy the property in October 2024 when they approved a borrowing of  €775,000 It was bought from developer John Fingleton Speaking at the meeting Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley described the site Laois County Council granted Mr Fingleton permission to build 49 homes in 2022 two-storey houses - 1 with 4 bedrooms and 14 with 3 bedroom) and 34 two-bed apartments across three 2-storey apartment blocks Acting CEO Simon Walton said in 2024 that the purchase of the sites will help Laois County Council to keep building social houses into the coming years "Every day we have an eye out looking for suitable sites But there's no point spending hundreds or thousands on a site we don't own We've given very very careful consideration to this," he said The new estate will accessed through the existing entrance to Mill Court which is also made up of social housing owned by a voluntary housing body The local authority has invested a lot of money in recent times upgrading Greenmill Lane A pedestrian bridge over the River Triogue was the standout Millions of Euro have been spent on the Greenway in recent years Minister Jim O'Callaghan wants prisoner officers to be allowed to use Incapacitant spray on prisoners Prison officers at jails in Laois could soon be able to deploy pepper spray to subdue inmates under plans being devised by the  Minister for Justice Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan announced plans to facilitate the deployment of incapacitant spray at jails in Portlaoise and elsewhere when he addressed the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) Conference in Galway It has also emerged that Gardaí will be working more closely with the Irish Prison Service in an attempt to tackle the problem of contraband getting to criminals in the Midlands Prison Portlaoise Prison and other Irish jails.  A statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said Minister O’Callaghan acknowledged the challenges facing prison officers and highlighted the steps he and the Government are taking to address them Thanking the POA for their collaboration and commitment to high standards Minister O’Callaghan committed to “taking necessary steps to help [prison officers] succeed in this incredibly rewarding career.” The Minister spoke about important upcoming legislation – the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill) 2025 - which his Department said will help to ensure prison officer safety and introduce a range of improvements across prison operations: “I am pleased to tell you that [a] proposal which I intend to bring forward as part of the Miscellaneous Provisions Bill shortly to Cabinet for approval is to amend the law so that prison officers can use incapacitant spray in incidents where their safety is at risk,” he said He also spoke about the overcrowding challenges facing the Irish Prison Service and admitted more needs to be done “While the prison estate is currently expanding I know it is not expanding at the rate that is urgently needed capacity has been increased by more than 300 new spaces with 139 delivered in the last 12 months alone and more than 90 to be added this year “Budget 2025 increased funding to €525 million to tackle overcrowding and increase capacity the Irish Prison Service capital budget is €53 million also focused on providing additional prison spaces,” he said He said the Bill that will provide for pepper spray also addresses capacity “This Bill includes a range of measures that will bring welcome changes across a range of areas improving operational capacity in our prisons and bolstering sentencing options to reduce reliance on custodial sentences READ ALSO: Laois rapist fails to overturn conviction “This includes a number of proposed amendments to the Community Service Act 1983 to encourage greater use of community service orders for those deemed appropriate,” he said The Minister said the Bill proposes doubling the amount of hours service that a judge may order as well as enabling the Courts to consider community service in lieu of a sentence of up to 24 months Where a court elects not to impose a community safety order in eligible cases the Minister said it is proposed that it will be obliged to give reasons for this Keeping contraband out of prison was also a key focus of the Minister’s address to the POA and its membership and the Minister spoke about collaborative efforts between the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Síochána “The Irish Prison Service continues to work closely with An Garda Síochána on initiatives including Operation Throwover which has had a lot of success in its goal to disrupt interdict and prosecute attempts to introduce contraband into prisons I was pleased to witness the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the Director General of the IPS Caron McCaffrey and the Garda Commissioner This MOU will enable both agencies to collaborate more effectively across a range of areas including prison security This collaboration will significantly help to prevent contraband entering prisons,” he said Minister O’Callaghan ended his speech by thanking the POA for the "critical role" they play in the justice system and committed to continuing to work closely with them to improve Irish prisons for both prisoners and prison officers supported and improved by representative groups like the Prison Officers Association and the invaluable perspective of our prison officers.’’ “I will continue to listen and work with you to make our criminal justice system safer and more effective in keeping Ireland a safe place,” said the Minister Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.