Speeding car that hit ditch the final straw for residents of Laois estate

A car that came flying of of a Mountrath lane before hitting a ditch was the final straw for residents of an estate who have turned to their public representatives for help.

In turn, councillors have united to demand action for the Mountrath estate householders in the wake of safety and other problems which residents want Laois County Council to address.

Cllr James Kelly, Cllr Ollie Clooney and Cllr Conor Bergin joined forces in bringing a range of matters to the attention of council officials at a meeting in County Hall.

The three representatives tabled motions which arose from a recent meeting with the residents of Fr O’Connor Crescent.

Cllr Kelly told council officials that the houses were built in the 1960s and there is a very active residents association in the estate. He said all the public representatives were asked to help the people living in the estate resolve. He began with roads.

“There are serious problems with road safety…There was an incident recently where a came flying out of one of (two) back lanes. It hit the ditch of a house on the Shannon Road and took a small tree out as well,” he said.

Cllr Kelly said a ramp was sought and this was subsequently installed at the estate entrance.

He said bins have also been a problem but they were also fixed.

However, he highlighted other issues. He said the owner of one household has to move their car every time the waste disposal truck or other HGVs visits the estate.

The independent councillor added that the road in the estate needs surfacing while street lights also need to be assessed and repaired or upgraded where needed. 

Cllr Clooney also wanted action after receiving complaints. He said there is speeding in the estate which demands traffic calming due to the danger, especially with young children living in the estates.

Cllr Bergin was impressed with the turnout at the meeting of residents which he attended.

He called for the high kerb at No. 36 and No. 39 to be lowered and called for the road opposite at No. 41 at the green to be widened to allow vehicles to pass freely.

He also wants a litter bin to be reinstated on the Shannon Road near the estate by the council and agreed that a street light audit is needed. He said the street light at No 13 is not working.

Laois County Council officials promised action on the various points raised by the councillors.

The issues were raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.