Road safety work progressing in Laois village

Work is commencing to install speed tables in Killeen village. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran requested an update on works in the village at the December meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.  

She asked in a motion: “That Laois County Council give an update on the works that were to be completed in Killeen Village. The two speed tables, the repair of pedestrian lights and the public lighting in the village.”

In response, Senior Executive Officer Philip McVeigh said “The works to install the two speed tables have been instructed to proceed and are now expected to be installed very shortly.  The repair of the pedestrian crossing lights and the public lighting has been referred to the Council’s public lighting section for follow up with Killaree Lighting.” 

Cllr Moran was critical of the ESB’s performance in the county.

“We have one lighting person that is working on the lights for the whole county,” she said, as the council can only use one lighting contractor. 

Acting Director of Finance Julie Bergin said “they said that there can only be one person employed in each county” in the position. 

Cllr Moran wasn’t pleased and she pointed out that it can be dangerous not to have areas illuminated. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins said “we are constantly complaining about the response from the ESB in energising lights.”  He claimed the ESB was being paid in advance for work. 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan agreed that “lights are not being turned on” and he said the council should have their own contractors.