Ramps mooted for ‘humpy, bumpy, bendy, rat run’ around Laois town

Traffic has to be slowed down on the unofficial Mountmellick bypass because residents are now afraid to go onto the road because it has become so busy and dangerous.

That’s the view of county councillors who supported Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fiannal Fáil, in his plea for action on what was described as a not fit for purpose ‘rat-run’ used by Tullamore to Portlaoise traffic.

The unofficial route allows drivers using the N80 national route to avoid the town centre congestion in the absence of an official bypass of the town that has been sought for many years but turned down on multiple occasions.  

Cllr Bracken tabled a motion calling on Laois County Council to carry out traffic calming measures on the road from Derrycloney Bridge to Cloonagh, Mountmellick.

Cllr Bracken explained why he believes the council must act.

“This is effectively a bypass of Mountmellick from Tullamore. It is getting busier and busier as it is used by people avoiding the town. The residents are afraid to go onto the road. It is shocking,” he said.

Cllr Bracken wants action on a road which he said has never been surveyed but 'looked at' by various council engineers over many years.

“Nothing has happened on a road that is fierce crooked with bends to beat the band. The speed is not unbelievable,” he said.

Other councillors who are regular users of the road endorsed their colleague stance. Cllr Seamus McDonald, Fianna Fáil, led the support for change on a road he has used for years.

“It is really dangerous because of the volume of traffic through Mountmellick is using the road now,” he said

Another user of the route, Cllr James Kelly, Independent, was also in support of change saying motorists are travelling too fast.

“People are racing on it and using it as a rat run,” he said.

Cllr Kelly put it to Cllr Bracken if he felt ramps would solve the problem.

“I’m not an engineer but it probably could be something like that...whatever the solution is it has to be addressed,” he replied.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent, was also in favour of change. While he said it is easing traffic pressures on the town, he believes it is not suitable for its ad-hoc use.

“It’s not fit for purpose. It is humpy, bumpy and lumpy and something has to be done,” he said.

Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, Road Design Office, replied in writing.

“The Road Design Section will undertake a speed survey along the stretch of road identified. Following analysis of the information gathered consideration as required will be given to potential measures,” he said.

'It's not a mansion, it's a wetroom' Laois heart attack survivor waits for shower

The issue was raised at the October, Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District Meeting.