Dangerous Laois road ‘like Mondello Park’ says County Councillor

A Laois County Councillor has told the Council that if a proposed pedestrian crossing in Cullohill is not installed, there will be protests.

Independent Cllr Ollie Clooney requested an update from the Council on the proposed pedestrian crossing at the community centre in Cullohill.

Senior Executive Engineer with Laois County Council, Mr Rory O’Callaghan, responded that the Council will carry out an assessment on traffic volumes and speeds on the R-639 regional road at the Community Centre.

“This assessment will be used to determine the need and the design proposals for a pedestrian crossing,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

Cllr Clooney thanked the Council for this response, but demanded more action be taken.

“Rory, this assessment has already been carried out four years ago,” Cllr Clooney said. 

Pictured: Cullohill Community Centre

“This is another chestnut now. Anyone that wants to stand on the side of that road and see the speed of the traffic that is passing- they don't have to have any education whatsoever to know that this is necessary,” said Cllr Clooney.

“The speed limit there is sixty, I would say the average speed there is 100.

“When the children come down from that school, they have a great school and a great community there,” he pointed out.

“That community centre is one of the busiest in Laois, believe it or not. And the children have to cross that road. And what is the price of a child’s life? That’s what I want to ask here today,” Cllr Clooney argued.

“As I have said, it’s an old chestnut, that survey was carried out, and anyone that wants to stand on that road will see that a pedestrian crossing is a must, as soon as possible,” he said.

“Pull out the red tape and just do the action. I want this pedestrian crossing, it should’ve been done in 2024, it’s not done. If it isn't done in 2025, I will be taking further action, we will have a big protest up there,” Cllr Clooney finished.

Rathdowney Fine Gael Cllr John King seconded this motion from Cllr Clooney, agreeing that something must be done.

“As Cllr Clooney said, to be over there in Cullohill, it’s like Mondello Park,” said Cllr King.

“I have to say that it’s shockingly dangerous. Years ago there was a loss of life there too, a little boy getting off the school bus. We have to prevent this loss of life,” said Cllr King.

“This pedestrian crossing is a serious necessity for Cullohill, and I want to see it done as much as Cllr Clooney. Time is of the essence, and this has to be done,” Cllr King finished. 

This motion was tabled at the December sitting of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District of Laois County Council.