‘Lethal Laois corner is known all over Ireland’

Laois County Council must take action to slow traffic at a 90 degree Laois corner thats known nationally for the danger it poses to drivers.

So insisted Cllr Seamus McDonald, Fianna Fáil, when he met recently with Laois County Council officials.

He tabled a motion calling on the local authority to install traffic calming measures such as lights at Shelly’s corner, Rosenallis.

“Shelly’s corner is known all over Ireland, especially to truckers. It’s a lethal location - it’s dangerous. There has been a number of accidents there over the years,” he said.

He said traffic lights would be great.

While he praised work done in the village, Cllr Paddy Bracken backed his party colleague. “It’s an awful dangerous corner,” he said.

Cllr James Kelly, the Independent, was also in favour of lights. “Flashing lights, speeds signs, ramps are just not going to work because if two trucks meet there it is trouble,” he said.

He said people would put up with delays.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, was also in favour because of the risk.

“There is no room for error. If you mistake you hit the wall. It is deadly, he said.

James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer, replied in writing on behalf of the local authority. 

"Laois County Council Road Design Department will review the recorded collision data for this location, and thereafter investigate suitable traffic calming measures as required.

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