Action needed as serious accidents persist on Laois road

Additional safety measures are needed at a junction in Laois where a number of serious accidents have happened in the past year. 

Fianna Fail Cllr John Joe Fennelly raised the issue in a motion at the latest meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District. 

He asked "that this Council erect extra signage at Gorman's Cross, Ballypickas as there has been a number of accidents at this location." 

His motion was seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Barry Walsh. 

Laois Senior Engineer Paul McLoughlin said  “I will make myself available to meet on site with Councillor Fennelly to examine the issue at this location with a view to installing extra signage as appropriate.”

Cllr Fennelly said signage placed at the junction in the past hasn’t had the desired effect.

“We have put in a lot of signage along that road and for some unknown reason we are still getting accidents there,” he explained.

“It may actually need some of these flashing signs before you get to the junction. If you are coming from the Ballinakill side especially,” he said. 

“I think there is after being three or four fairly serious accidents there in the last year and it needs to be addressed. I know there is signage there but it is not working,” said Cllr Fennelly.  

Cllr Barry Walsh told the meeting that he fully supported the motion. 

“It is a very busy junction with kids being brought to school for Heywood and Spink School is close by as well, so there is a lot of traffic on that. I would agree with the flashing signs,” he said.  

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Mr McLoughlin suggested that they ll meet at the location and that a Garda Sergeant is invited to the meeting. Cllr Fennelly said he could arrange for a local sergeant to attend.