Solas Na Greine
The plan to develop the boggy, poorly drained site on the Timahoe Road, Portlaoise as an amenity park was commissioned in 1999. It was decided to develop the park as an ecological area with emphasis on creating an area diverse in wildlife. On 16th June 2000 the Peoples Park was officially opened by Mr. Joe Dunne M.C.C., Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council. The park is bounded on one side by ‘The Downs’ an Esker feature and on the other side by the River Triogue. The soil underneath the top layer is marl clay which was ideal to use as a liner for the lake which was formed when the River Triogue was diverted through the central area of the Park. Footbridges were installed to allow access around the lake and over the river. The planting used throughout the park is mainly native species of trees and shrubs with some non-native trees planted for their ornamental value and their suitability as parkland trees. These trees and shrubs have been used to form woodlands on...
