The Plan
for Portlaoise Downs was commissioned in 1999. At the time
the area consisted of a boggy poorly drained area. The site
had good potential, particularly being backdropped by ‘The
Downs’ which is an Esker feature to the rear of the
site and a small river, the Triogue, on the other boundary.
It was decided that the park be developed as an ecological
park, with an emphasis on low maintenance and the creation
of a diversity of wildlife. Subsequent site investigations
uncovered extensive deposits of marl clay under the existing
soil layer.
The proposal was then extended to include a large lake
area, which was formed using the marl clay as a liner.
Thus, the soil conditions on the site were substantially
improved and a natural clay liner was utilised to form
the lake area. The river was diverted through this area
and pedestrian footbridges installed for access.
The majority of the planting used was native ecological
type planting. Since its completion, the park has adopted
a wide range of native wildflowers. Fish have extensively
colonised the lake area, and the lake is also home to
a number of duck and swan species. The practice undertakes
ongoing maintenance reviews of the park to ensure that
the ecological diversity of the park is being maintained.
