Toll dodging trucks causing damage at Laois business

Bollards need to be installed at a Mountrath business where trucks who are avoiding the tolls are having a pitstop in the town.

That’s the claim made by Cllr James Kelly, Independent, who wants Laois County Council to help a local business who is suffering as a result.

Cllr Kelly tabled a motion at a recent meeting with management where he requested parking bollards on the grass verge outside Pat Nevin Carpets on Portlaoise Road to prevent the regular illegal parking across from a busy service station.

Cllr Kelly added that Mr Nevin is somewhat of an ‘unsung hero’ as he cuts the grass around his premises which he pays commercial rates on to the council. However, he highlighted motorists who are using it to park on.

“In the bad weather, trucks especially who are avoiding the (M7) toll pull up there and cause a lot of damage,” he said.

He also asked if the council could clear a footpath near the green area.

Laois County Council’s District Engineer for the town Edmond Kenny replied that an engineer would arrange to meet with Cllr Kelly at the service station to inspect the parking issues.

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The issue was raised at the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmelllick Municipal District Meeting in November.