Speed ramps and crossing "desperately needed" outside Laois school

Independent Laois County Councillor James Kelly has criticised the Council for the lack of safety provisions on the R-445 in Mountrath. 

This busy road sees high levels of traffic to Mountrath Community School, St. Fintan's Graveyard and Applegreen. Pedestrians have no safe crossing on this road, with no traffic calming measures in place to prevent speeding.

Pictured: The R-445 in Mountrath, adjacent to Mountrath Community School.

"This is the fourth time I have brought this issue to attention, and I've gotten the same reply," Cllr Kelly said.

"It’s a very busy road here- you have the community school with 950 pupils and the staff, you have CJ Sheeran’s busy Applegreen station, and you have the cemetery there as well," Cllr Kelly said.

"We need it put in place, many students cross that road to get picked up from school at the petrol station.

"There are footpaths on both sides so a ramp should fit in there fine. We all know how busy the road is, so there’s no real need to request a traffic survey," he said.

"I was there yesterday at four o'clock, and everyone was parking on the lovely green area. The grass was grand and firm yesterday, but when the bad weather comes, it’ll all be cut up in ribbons. We need to get funding for this as soon as possible," Cllr Kelly said.

Mr. James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer of the Council's Road Department, replied that they will carry out an inspection of the site to investigate suitable measures to be implemented.

Fine Gael Cllr John King seconded Cllr Kelly's motion, agreeing that safety is a priority.

"We had a similar situation in Rathdowney some years ago, and we got the pedestrian crossings in. It certainly created more safety for the school," Cllr King said.

"Safety is of utmost importance. It's a good notice of motion," Cllr King finished.

This issue was presented at the September meeting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.