Urgent action called for at deadly stretch of Laois road

A road to Rathdowney where young people have died in car crashes must get a safety overhaul urgently, councillors have insisted.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, was backed by fellow public representatives when he tabled a motion at a recent meeting in Laois County Council. He called for an update on funding approved some years ago for major road works at Middlemount Rathdowney. 

“This particular stretch of road has taken the lives of young people from the area. This request for works is a matter of serious urgency before more fatalities occur," he said

Cllr King said the road is very busy which varies between wide and very narrow. He singled out the “hilly and narrow” stretch.

“This has to be addressed. If the road was widened it would be very safe we wouldn’t have fatalities on it in future,” he said.

Cllr King was backed by Cllr Ollie Clooney, Independent.

“Everyone knows how dangerous it is and you can see the crosses on the road. It is very sad,” he said.

Cllr Clooney said a lot of money will have to be invested to make it safe.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, also endorsed the appeal made by Cllr King. He said it is sad people impacted by the tragedies on the road must drive it regularly.

“To see that no work has been done is sadder,” he said.

He said there should be no obstacle to see it addressed. He outlined the risk.

“You come on a wide road from Manor Stone where everyone is racing and then you come into a very narrow dangerous road,” he said.

Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, Roads Section, replied in writing. It did not refer to past funding commitments claimed to have been made by Cllr King.

“Laois County Council will prepare and submit a specific improvement grant application to the Department of Transport for works Middlemount Rathdowney,” he said. 

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