Laois people live with no services, no lights, no paths

Laois people live with no services, no lights, no paths

Work is needed in Durrow to improve the lot residents on the Derry Road in Durrow, according to Cllr Ollie Clooney.

The Independent councillor raised the plight facing residents at a recent meeting with Laois County Council where he called for action.

While a path extends a distance up the road, he tabled a motion demanding that the Council extend the footpaths on the Derry Road where he claimed a lot of young families live. 

“There are a lot of houses but there are no services, no lights, no footpaths…When you are walking up there you are walking in the dark,” he said.

Mr. Diarmuid Donohue, SEE,  Active Travel, replied that these works may be considered under Active Travel, subject to available funding.

However, Cllr Clooney wanted a more definitive commitment.

“It should be 'may' it should say 'must' be included. This is very urgent,” he said.

He insisted that houses should not be built without lights and paths.

He was backed by Cllr James Kelly, a fellow Independent, who said more houses are likely to be built in the area.

He added that there is also a road safety issue in the village on the turn up to the Derry Road area.

Passing of Laois community worker, Celine Knight

The issue was raised at the December meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District in County Hall Portlaoise.