Laois village that attracts visitors from around the world is ‘not a village’

There was puzzlement in Laois County Council’s HQ when it emerged that one of the most historic settlements in Laois is not officially a village so it doesn't qualify to get village signs.

Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, express his surprise after he tabled a motion calling on the local authority to erect new welcome sings at Aghaboe.

Mr. Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, in the council’s roads department replied in writing.

“The provision of Welcome Signage is generally reserved for villages and Towns within County Laois.

“ Aghaboe is not officially designated as a village, however, given the attraction of Aghaboe Abbey consideration will be given to the provision of appropriate signage in the context of the existing safety & information signage provision on the Regional Road (R434) approach to this location,” he said.

Cllr Bergin was taken aback by the status.

“I noticed that Aghaboe doesn’t qualify as a village. I think the residents would disagree,” he told the meeting.

He said it was once the location of the primary Christian abbey in Ossory apart from being a major centre of learning and commerce.

He said visitors come to the abbey’s ruins from around the world and it is also a popular wedding photo location.

Praising local people for their work, he said they would welcome heritage signs on the roads into the village to inform visitors.

“It is a huge part of the heritage of county Laois,” he said.

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Cllr John King, also Fine Gael, also supported the motion. He also sought a speed limit sign in the village.

Meeting chairman Cllr Paddy Bracken said all councillors would support the signs.

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The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.