Deal sealed on €4 mill overhaul of Laois road in Portlaoise that serves GAA stadium

Laois County Council has inked a contract that will say a multi-million euro overhaul carried out on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise which is one of the main routes into town and is also the main access to the county's GAA stadium.

In a statement, the local authority said it was pleased to announce the signing of the contract for the N77 Abbeyleix Road Rehabilitation and Enhancement Scheme. 

It said that following public procurement processes, the contractor appointed to complete the works is Arkil Ltd with works to commence in the coming weeks.

The council said a more detailed programme will be published prior to the commencement of works, but added that the Scheme is 2km in length, from the M7 (J17) Interchange to the roundabout at JFL Avenue.

During the consultation stage in 2022, the local authority said new footpaths, cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings were among the proposals for the road. It said new lighting was planned as is resurfacing wrok.  

The council said in 2022 that the N77 Abbeyleix Road Rehabilitation and Enhancement scheme will consist of the following work­:

• Refurbished footpath / cycle facilities on the western side of the N77 Abbeyleix Road
• New footpath / cycle facilities on the eastern side of the N77 Abbeyleix Road providing connectivity with ESB training centre, Meelick Road & Midway Hotel
• Altered road cross section which shall reduce the prevailing speed of vehicles.
• Provision of new pavement surface.
• Review of Public Lighting and provision of additional poles where appropriate
• New Landscaping
• Additional drainage

Speaking at the contract signing, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Thomasina Connell spoke about the project.

"The investment of approximately €4 million towards the upgrade of the N77 Abbeyleix Road is very welcome. I urge that the works commence as soon as possible and, that the inconvenience the works will give rise to, will be effectively managed by Laois County Council and Arkil Ltd (in conjunction with Killeen Civil Engineering).

"This route is a key access/egress route for Portlaoise. I also request that the works undertaken compliment and support the ongoing efforts of Portlaoise Tidy Towns and local Resident’s Associations," she said.

Simon Walton, Director of Transportation Services for Laois County Council, also explained the reason for the work.

"The existing road pavement is in clear need of rehabilitation and that is a key part of this Scheme. Also, the existing road layout contributes to this stretch of road being categorised as a High Collision-Risk Location. The Scheme will address that, provide for a reduced-speed environment, provide for additional designated pedestrian crossing points, provide for pedestrian and cyclist measures over the full length of the Scheme in addition to enhanced public lighting and landscaping," he said. 

Speaking on behalf of Arkil Ltd, Mr. Seamus Mannion stated that ‘Arkil Ltd., in conjunction with Killeen Civil Engineering, was delighted to have been awarded this contract and look forward to completing the works in a manner that will benefit the N77 National Route and the broader local community.   

Consultation begins on major road overhaul of one of Portlaoise's busiest roads

Cycle lanes and paths planned with narrowing of vehicle carriageway planned

The Abbeyleix Road has recently seen a major roundabout added as part of the opening in 2019 of the €8 million the Southern Circular Route which linked the Abbeyleix Road to the Timahoe Road and as a result the Stradbally Road. 

The contract was signed on Friday, March 10 at County Hall in Portlaoise. Those who attended were: Cllr Barry Walsh (Cathaoirleach, Portlaoise Municipal District), Cllr Thomasina Connell (Cathaoirleach, Laois County Counci), Seamus Mannion (Arkil Ltd. Contractor), Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald and Cll Willie Aird, Barry Leonard (Laois County Council) Jim Mannion (Arkil Ltd), Simon Walton (Director of Transportation Services for Laois County Council), John Killeen (Killeen Civil Engineering), Conor Delaney (Laois County Council) and Paul Mc Loughlin (Senior Engineer Roads, Laois County Council).