New Portlaoise parklet could be moved after sparking anger from locals

Two parking spaces on Main Street have been lost to the parklet

Published 18th Jun 2026, 17:55 BST The parklet is located at the bottom of Main Street in Portlaoise. Two parking spaces on Main Street have been lost to the parklet An alternative location for the new parklet in Portlaoise will be considered after it sparked anger from local businesses and councillors over the removal of parking spaces.

Laois County Council recently installed its first parklet at the end of Main Street beside the Square Café.

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A parklet is a small public amenity space created through the repurposing of on-street parking spaces to provide seating, planting and an enhanced pedestrian environment.

This new feature on Main Street has resulted in the loss of two parking spaces.

Portlaoise Tidy Towns, in collaboration with the Climate Action Section of Laois County Council, progressed with the delivery of the new parklet in the town centre.

The council previously stated that prior to the selection of the location, Portlaoise Tidy Towns engaged with businesses in the immediate vicinity to ensure the proposal was carefully considered and appropriate for the area.

However, the loss of two parking spaces has caused major frustration for some business owners, members of the community and local councillors.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald raised the parklet at the recent Portlaoise MD meeting, asking why elected members were not informed of the proposal to install the parklet.

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“With the removal of more parking spaces many people are understandably concerned about access to our Main Street,” the Portlaoise councillor said.

“While encouraging walking and cycling, the reality for local businesses, older people, people with mobility issues have to be taken into account.

“Is the goal really to create a Main Street where fewer people can conveniently shop and support small businesses? Do we want a town centre with a mix of shops or do we risk creating a street where traditional retailers disappear.”

She noted: “Local businesses have expressed deep disappointment not only with the removal of parking spaces but also with the way they feel they have been treated throughout this process. Many business owners believe their concerns were not adequately listened to and that meaningful consultation was lacking.”

Cllr Fitzgerald argued that if parking is removed, local businesses “will inevitably suffer.” She told the council that “the message being sent to local businesses is that their concerns matter less than the plan itself.”

For some, the issue with the lack of engagement with the public and elected officials represents a more serious issue.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley supported Cllr Fitzgerald’s points, but added: “The missing elephant in the room is the seven elected members in this chamber. We represent the Portlaoise MD. This is a decision the elected members should be making.”

She noted that last year, two other parking spaces were removed at Fitzmaurice Place without the knowledge of councillors.

“We have a situation where the unelected are making decisions for our community. We weren’t even told, but we shouldn’t be told, it should be our decision. We are excluded from this process and I find that absolutely mind boggling,” Cllr Dwane Stanley said.

“I want to know how much this cost and where the money came from because anytime we look for anything we’re told straight away to look at our discretionary funding. We can’t get a bollard or bin without being told about funding.

“It’s an embarrassment to say we haven't made the decisions and we weren’t made aware of it. No longer can we sit and allow the unelected to make decisions in the town centre. I would greatly appreciate a meeting to be held with the Portlaoise councillors to put a stop to this carry on,” she said.

Cllr Marie Tuohy remarked that she was “angered” when she first saw the parklet had been installed.

“I got several calls on it. I got more calls on this probably than any other topic. None of them were favourable,” she told the council.

Not only are the parking spaces vital for local businesses, but Cllr Tuohy noted that they also are used for community events. The parking spaces are used for the stage during the St Patrick’s Day parade as well as lighting the Christmas lights.

She asked if the parklet could be reconsidered and relocated.

Director of Services at Laois County Council, Simon Walton, acknowledged that the communications regarding the parklet “could have been better.”

Mr Walton added that in the coming weeks, the council will explore alternative locations for the parklet.

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He insisted: “The Portlaoise MD Office consistently engages with the elected representatives. There is no intention to diminish the role of the elected members.”

Related topics: Laois County Council Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley Cllr Marie Tuohy 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.