Ballyroan kids going to school in darkness

Children in Ballyroan are walking to school in the early morning in near darkness due to a lack of lighting in the village, Cllr Mary Sweeney said.

At the recent meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District, Cllr Mary Sweeney proposed a motion calling on the council to undertake a review of current lighting in Ballyroan village and surrounding areas to ensure that they are all in working order and repair any that are not currently working.

She said that there are at least four lights not working in Ballyroan.

She also asked that the switching on of the lights at the new pedestrian crossing in Ballyroan village be advanced without further delay.

She received a written response from Mr Farhan Nasiem, acting senior executive engineer, saying that a maintenance contractor has been asked to patrol lights in Ballyroan and any lights found not working will be repaired.

In relation to the pedestrian crossing, all electrical and installation works are now complete, and the council is awaiting confirmation of an electricity supply connection date from ESB networks.

Regarding the pedestrian crossing, Cllr Sweeney said this was a fabulous asset, but she was just concerned as in the early mornings children are walking to school in the dark.

Supporting the motion, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said she had made a contribution out of her discretionary funds for the crossing and the last thing needed now is the lights.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly also supported the motion and asked the council to look at the lights in all areas.