'Unprecedented' rainfall causing issues on Laois roads

Recent “unprecedented” rainfall left roads difficult to pass in parts of Laois in recent weeks, a recent council meeting was told.  

Cllr Barry Walsh raised the issue at a recent meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District. He said three areas in Ballyroan were difficult to pass after “unprecedented” rainfall in recent weeks. 

He tabled a motion asking:“That Laois County Council carry out flood prevention/maintenance works on the road between Dooray Cross and Blandsfort Cross Ballyroan and Include Blandsfort Cross to Blands gate. There were three areas on the above roads that had high flood water making it difficult for traffic to pass. There appears to be a blockage somewhere which is preventing the flood water to dissipate quickly.”

In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer, Wes Wilkinson said: “Water cuts and inlets on the Road L-2778 between Dooray Cross and Blandsford Cross have been cleaned and reopened. The Portlaoise MD office will open water cuts where possible on the L-3777 from Blandsford Cross towards Ballyking Lane in the coming weeks.I will make myself available to meet Cllr Walsh on site to examine any other issues as required.”

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Cllr Walsh agreed to meet at the location. He said, “it does be hard to judge the depth of the water sometimes because the road drops a bit.”