Junction near Laois pub branded a ‘death trap’

A junction near a pub in Laois was branded “a death trap” at a council meeting. 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan asked in a motion: “That Laois County Council make safe the junction at The Mall pub on the R430 at Killeshin.”

Senior Executive Engineer Tom Drennan said “Laois County Council has inspected this junction and will initiate verge trimming works with a view to improving the sightline visibility at this location in the immediate term.” 

Cllr Brennan urged the council to act quickly. “It is a death trap at the moment, an absolute death trap…there is someone going to be badly hurt there,” he said. 

He said a week earlier an accident almost took place on the road which is regularly used by local farmers in tractors. He pointed out that it was a busy time for farmers on the road. 

Cllr Brennan also said a sign approaching the junction needed to be repaired. 

“You need to get that radar sign and that traffic sign fixed,” he said. 

Mr Drennan said the council would be looking to carry out the work in the coming week. He said while they are carrying out the work the council would assess the area to see what improvements could be made. 

Cllr Brennan said farmers in the area would be willing to work with the council on a solution as they are very aware of the danger. 

READ ALSO: Lyme disease signs for Laois parks

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran said she fully supported Cllr Brennan on the motion at the meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.