Warnings of deaths or insurance claims over Laois roadside trees
The backing of Laois Gardaí is to be sought to get a huge roadside tree stump removed on the N80 road.
A massive tree that jutted out into the Portlaoise to Stradbally N80 road for decades, has been chopped down, but the tree stump is yet to be removed.
The long wait for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to do the job was criticised by a Laois councillor this week.
Cllr Aisling Moran warns that deaths may happen at the junction.
"There'll be people killed on a junction we have highlighted. The TII is completely ignoring us. Something needs to happen. Maybe the Garda or the press can put pressure on them," she suggested.
She raised the issue at the November meeting of the Graiguecullen / Portarlington Municipal District, saying a timeline is needed for when the work will be done by TII.
The Cathaoirleach Cllr Paschal McEvoy replied that a plan is in progress with the TII, that also includes removal of a tall Leylandi hedge at the junction.
"There are negotiations with the landowners, it's progressing, albeit slowly. I agree with you that we need a timeline, it was to be done last year and the year before.
"Everyone accepts there is a major problem, there is a lot of speeding. They are redoing the corner completely and making the side of the road safer," Cllr McEvoy said.
Cllr Moran requested that a letter be sent to Gardaí, and if they agree the site is a danger, to send that response to the TII. It was agreed by all to do so.
She spoke after a motion by Cllr Aidan Mullins asking for tree trimming in Laois housing estates. Read that below.
Cllr Ben Brennan said falling leaves from trees could result in insurance claims to Laois County Council.
"I'm asking for years to get trees sorted on the Northern Relief Road. Trees are blocking lights. Leaves are falling off and if someone gets injured, they talk about claims. This is wide open for a claim.
"I'd hate to see it happening but we are heading in that direction. I've asked more times, it's just falling on deaf ears. People are entitled to claim if they slip on leaves," he said.