New pedestrian crossing urged for Portlaoise elderly and children

A new pedestrian crossing has been once again requested for a road in Portlaoise that is frequented by the elderly as well as schoolchildren.

It is sought at Millbrook, between the town's memorial garden and Ridge graveyard, to help people cross safely from a laneway leading from St John's Square.

Cllr Barry Walsh tabled a motion to the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, making the request that has been made in the past by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

"It definitely warrants it. I've had more complaints about near misses. A high volume of kids cross here. There is a huge amount of activity with pedestrians," he said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion.

"It is absolutely dangerous, it is a narrow road," she agreed.

Cllr Fitzgerald supported the request.

"A lot of elderly people go through John's Square and take the short cut. My biggest fear is people trying to cross there," she said.

A crossing could be part of a wider council development of pathways, suggests engineer Paul McLoughlin.

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"In phase two of the Triogue Way walk, we will try and coordinate a pedestrian crossing," he said.

He said that the Part 8 planning procedure for those works will come to councillors for approval in October or November this year.

An official reply was given by the roads department, which said a review of the existing courtesy crossing at the location will be done, and the need assessed for a fully controlled pedestrian crossing.