Councillor says cars “racing in and out” of an estate in Laois

A councillor said cars are “racing in and out” of an estate in Laois. 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan asked in a motion  “that Laois County Council to install two ramps in Oakley Park housing estate Graiguecullen. Speeding traffic is out of control and residents are afraid for their children and older people.”

He described the area as dangerous and said ramps would be needed to slow down the traffic. 

Cllr Brennan said local children have to cross to a green to play and there are cars “racing in and out” along a 200 metre stretch of road. 

In reply to the motion, Senior Executive Engineer, Tom Drennan said, “Laois County Council has carried out a technical  assessment at this estate and has concluded that  traffic calming measures should be considered.  The Graiguecullen/ Portarlington MD office will  schedule in these works over the course  of Q3 2025 subject to available resources.”

“Subject to available resources. Does that automatically come out?” asked Cllr Brennan. 

Head of Finance Julie Bergin said “there is an opportunity, if you want, to use your discretionary funding on that.” 

“There is a big demand on resources for the whole of the Council,” she said. 

Cllr Brennan wasn’t pleased with the response. “That’s not fair. We have other commitments as well. We have communities that are struggling,” he said. 

“You give it to us with one hand and take it back with the other…we were given that for the use of the community,” said Cllr Brennan.

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins suggested that the conversation around discretionary funding could be had at a later stage. He questioned how the money is allocated with instructions on where it can be spent. 

“At the beginning of the year we are given a list and we have to pick from that list,” he said. 

Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming said “I would like to come in here and support Ben.”  He said a ramp costs between €3,000 and €4,000. He said that sort of money was more beneficial for local clubs and organisations. 

Mr Drennan said “we do need some support from Councillors” when it comes to notices of motions. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran agreed with Cllr Brennan. She expressed her belief that the funding should be spent on community groups. 

READ ALSO: Councillor claims Laois school children forced off narrow path onto road

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