Residents say uncompleted Offaly estate unsafe

Residents in Portarlington, Co Offaly, have called on the company that built their estate to deliver on promises to complete essential work, which they claim is making the area unsafe for children.

Nacluainte estate, half a mile outside Portarlington, was built by Coalport Building Company in 2000. Residents say they have experienced water supply and sewerage problems. They also claim that the roads have not been properly finished and are in a dangerous condition, and the green play area is "a wasteland".

Offaly County Council's enforcement department has taken the building company to the High Court and there has been a series of hearings.

The Health and Safety Authority has visited the estate following concerns raised by residents.

Residents held a protest earlier this week to highlight their frustration at the condition of the estate. Local resident Jolene Kenny said residents risk bursting their tyres on protruding manholes and ruining their vehicles' suspension if they drive into the estate, and local children must be kept indoors for their own safety.

"There is a school bus service into the estate but because of the state of the road, we are afraid we will lose our bus and our bin service. There is nowhere for the children to play - the green is a wasteland."