Laois road 'choco block' with floods no help to young drivers

Work is needed to end ‘impassable’ flooding on a Laois road which has made driving difficult for drivers especially young people trying to navigate through the water.

So said, Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, when he met with council officials recently.

He tabled a motion calling on Laois County Council to address the flooding issues on the L-1520 road at Newtown, Skirk, Ballybrophy between the Quinlan residences.

Cllr Bergin said road flooding is inevitable after heavy rain where there are drainage problems. He said the road in question is busy.

“It’s been impassable recently,” he said.

He added that there are some young drivers who live along the route.

“Learning to drive is never easy but when your road is choco block with water it makes it worse,” he said.

He said that sometimes the roads can be easily fixed and suggested that the council’s outdoor staff may have the means to do so due to their familiarity with such issues.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, backed his colleague.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, replied in writing. “Laois County Council will arrange to meet the Elected Member at the site to examine the area of concern,” he said.

Resident told to send invoice for car damage to Laois council

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