Deja vu reply that doesn't offer fix 'deadly' Laois N80 junction

No safety solution has been agreed for a junction on one of the busiest roads in Laois despite Mountmellick councillors insisting that everybody knows it is ‘deadly’ dangerous.

The absence of a decision what to do on the N80 emerged at a recent meeting in Laois County Council HQ where officials were asked again about the potential for a roundabout on the Portlaoise side of town at Derrycloney.

Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fáil, tabled a motion calling on the council get an update from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) about a roundabout on the N80 road which links Laois and Offaly.

James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer, replied in writing.

“Road Design Department are continuing to explore opportunities for junction improvements at this location,” he said.

Cllr Bracken had a sense of deja vu on getting the reply about the junction which has been the scene of several accidents.

“It’s one I heard before on several occasions,” he said of the response.

He did not mince his words on the risk posed to the public by the current situation at the junction which thousands of motorists use to access the unofficial bypass around Mountmellick. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Cllr Paddy Bracken.

“Anyone who knows that junction knows that it is deadly,” he said.

He was also bothered by what he viewed as a lost opportunity to remove the danger. He insisted that the roundabout should have been installed when the N80 was undergoing extensive overhaul in recent years. The works led to its closure through the town and from Portlaoise to Mountmellick.

Cllr Bracken said he would continue to pursue the delivery of the roundabout to make the situation safe.

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