Call to remove trees along Laois road

A Councillor has called for the removal of trees on the Northern Relief Road in Graiguecullen.  

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan made the request following a motion about the road by Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming. 

Cllr Padraig Fleming asked in a motion: “That Laois County Council trim all hedges beside footpaths on the Northern Relief Road in Graiguecullen, in the interest of pedestrian and road safety”.

In reply, Senior Executive Engineer Tom Drennan said: “Laois County Council has scheduled hedge trimming works to be carried out on the Northern Relief Road over the immediate term.”

Cllr Brennan said “I propose that we take them trees out of it.” He said the trees represented a health and safety hazard as there was “no lights on the footpaths whatsoever on the Northern Relief Road” due to the foliage. He insisted the trees needed to be removed immediately. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran said trees were damaging the footpath at Rochford Manor and residents were looking for them to be cut back. She wanted to know if there was a budget for works on trees. 

Director of Services Julie Bergin said there was no specific budget for such work. 

The issue was discussed during the monthly meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.