Laois town’s 'deadly unofficial bypass is disintegrating'

Mountmellick’s unofficial bypass is breaking up with ‘never-ending’ traffic making it a ‘deadly’ route around the town, according to a Laois councillor.

Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fáil, raised the many issues of the route when tabled a motion at a recent meeting in County Hall Portlaoise.

He asked that Laois County Council seek funding to upgrade the road from Hickey’s Bridge, Derrycloney to the junction of the Rosenallis/Clonaslee Road – the R422.

He explained why the road used by many Portlaoise to Tullamore drivers needs urgent attention.

“It’s the unofficial bypass of Mountmellick. The road is breaking up…the traffic never ends and the whole road is disintegration - it’s in bits and there is going to be a serious accident,” said the councillor.

He called on council officials, who drive the road regularly, to address the road used instead of the N80 that runs through the centre of town often clogged with traffic.

“Something major has to be done,” he said.

He called for extra funding to improve the road and enhance safety as it has become the only way a lot of traffic to ‘escape’ Mountmellick. Cllr Seamus McDonald backed his party colleague.

James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer in the council’s roads section, replied in writing. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

“Laois County Council have committed to their 2024 road strengthening programme which is the last year of a three-year programme. The road in question can be examined for inclusion in the next three-year programme,” he said.

The road was highlighted at the July meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.

There are no plans to build an official bypass around the town.