Councillor suggests setting trees back from roads in Laois

Councillors want trees set back from roads amid claims they are blocking light, causing slippery paths and breaking footpaths in Laois. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran asked in a motion: “that Laois County Council repair/replace the footpath between Sleaty Road and Duggans Bridge as the roots of the trees have caused the paths to rise and fall, creating trip hazards”.

In reply to the motion, Area Engineer Tom Drennan said: “Laois County Council will review the footpath condition along this section and where necessary will consider them for repair subject to available resources.” 

Cllr Moran said “they are bad. In some places the roots are literally coming through the footpath.” 

Mr Drennan said “if there are identifiable trip hazards on them we will try and identify those.”  

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan wanted to know “what genius” had decided to plan rows of trees beside roads and footpaths. He said the leaves block the light, fall and cause slip hazards and the roots break the footpaths. 

“What genius came up with it? I’d like to know because it is a farce,” said Cllr Brennan. 

He mentioned one road where trees had to be cut back as there was no light. “In two or three years time, the same thing again. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.

He said swan necked lights were used to try and keep the lights clear of the leaves. “What happens? The leaves started taking them down,” he said. 

“All it is now is a little yoke on top of a pole giving out no light…it just makes no sense,” said Cllr Brennan. 

Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming said he totally agreed. He said trees near roads are blocking the lights and their leaves are blocking drains. 

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Independent Cllr Aisling Moran said “there should be a distance from the side of the road.”  She said tree surgeons are needed to carry out work near roads. “A little bit of joined up thinking is needed,” she said. 

The issue was discussed at the latest monthly meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.