‘Carbon copy’ response on road safety works at Laois village

A Councillor queried the “carbon copy” response he received from Laois County Council to the same motion he tabled a year previously.

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins asked: “That Laois County Council provide an update on the installation of traffic calming measures and a pedestrian crossing in Ballybrittas.”

In a written response, the Road Design Engineer, stated that:  “Road Design have assessed the village of Ballybrittas in relation to installing proposed traffic calming measures. Speed and Traffic Count surveys have been carried out. Road Design intend to apply for funding to carry out any proposed works through the Low Cost Safety Improvement Scheme in 2026.”

Cllr Mullins said he tabled the exact same notice of motion at the November 2024 meeting and he received a “carbon copy” response from the Council. 

He expressed frustration at the replies from the Roads Department and said the response often states that they would meet with the elected member. “I have never been contacted by the roads design department in my life,” he said. 

Cllr Mullins said the traffic survey has shown the high level of speeding in Ballybrittas and action was needed. “The residents have been calling for this for a number of years,” he said. He expressed his hope that the matter could be resolved as he said it was urgent.

Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan seconded the motion. She agreed with Cllr Mullins and said she understood his frustration. She said she had met with residents in Ballybrittas and some of them believed the safety measures hadn’t been introduced because it was a relief road for the motorway. 

Senior Executive Engineer, Tom Drennan, said “I can’t comment on that.” 

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