Pocket park proposed for 'idle' site near Portlaoise housing estate

Cllr Tommy Mulligan put forth the idea of the pocket park on the Mountrath Road

Published 19th Jun 2026, 07:25 BST A pocket park has been suggested for development at the Honest Pat Roundabout in Portlaoise. Cllr Tommy Mulligan put forth the idea of the pocket park on the Mountrath Road Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

A pocket park has been proposed to be developed on an unused strip of land in Portlaoise .

Councillor Tommy Mulligan has called for Laois County Council to examine the feasibility of developing a pocket park at the Honest Pat Roundabout on the Mountrath Road to provide a small community green space and enhance amenities in the area.

The small piece of land owned by Laois County Council is just off the roundabout, named after Patrick ‘Honest Patt’ Lalor from Mountrath, at the entrance to the Rockdale estate.

Speaking at the June meeting of the Portlaoise MD, Cllr Mulligan pointed out that the strip of land is “lying idle.”

“It’s a strip of land I feel that could be developed. It’s fenced off, has a boundary wall with a neighbouring estate. It has potential. I’m just thinking about how we could develop it. I think a pocket park is the best form of park that could be put into it,” the Portlaoise councillor said.

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He noted that the parcel of land is separated from the road so it would be a safe area for such a development.

“It would be a blank canvas for us all,” Cllr Mulligan argued.

He said that with a pocket park, the council could develop a natural play area and pathways, as well as install benches for seating.

“It could be used as a recreational space for the public. It would support and promote Active Travel. It would improve the appearance and character of the area also,” he told the council.

Cllr Mulligan also highlighted the growing population in that side of town, saying: “It’s an area that’s definitely in need of some sort of recreational area.

Cllr Marie Tuohy backed the proposal, agreeing that “it would be a very valuable asset and would definitely be well used.”

The Portlaoise MD office said they will make themselves available to meet with Cllr Mulligan on site to examine the location for a pocket park.

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