'Near misses' and 'serious incidents' on Laois road

Serious incidents and near misses have prompted calls for action at Laois junction. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins asked that the council put safety measures in place in Killenard in the wake of the incidents.

He asked in a motion: “That Laois County Council implement traffic safety measures at the junction at Mount St. Anne's, Killenard as many serious incidents and near misses have been reported at this location”.

Senior Executive Engineer, Tom Drennan said:  “Laois County Council will review and assess these junctions against any collision data that is made available from the Road Safety Authority and from there will determine what interventions may be required with regards to road safety.” 

Cllr Mullins described it as a very busy junction and he said the RSA may not have much collision data as the incidents were near misses and minor damage.  He said the junction needs attention. 

Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan seconded the motion and said she had visited the area. She suggested moving back the 80km zone coming out of the village so that the junction would be covered by the lower 50km village speed zone. 

She had asked in a motion that “that Laois County Council review the location of the current speed signage entering Killenard from Ballybrittas”.

In response to her motion, the Council Road Section stated that: “Road Design will collaborate with the Municipal Area and assess the location. All existing signage will be reviewed to ensure adherence to guidelines. Any proposed changes will have to follow the necessary protocol on bye-laws amendments.”

“What criteria would need to be met to consider moving speed signage?” asked Cllr Phelan. 

Mr Drennan said “I believe the speed limit review will be coming into place in 2026.” He said the road could be considered in this five year review. 

Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming said it would be the end of 2026 before the speed zone would be changed. 

As Cllr Phelan and Cllr Mullins both had similar motions in relation to the road, their motions was merged and heard together at the November monthly meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.