Delay confirmed for major road closure in Laois town

The start date of major road works has been delayed in a Laois town.

Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) has confirmed a delay on a big job planned in Mountmellick.

They intend to replace old leaking watermains along the R422 Parnell Street, from the junction at Lord Edward Street, to the junction at Tirlán with the N80 Portlaoise road.

"Yes the works will begin on June 16 and will most likely finish a week later," a spokesperson told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The works will involve the replacement of nearly 400 metres of cast iron and aged watermains prone to bursts as part of Uisce Éireann’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.  

One lane of the road will be completely closed, with stop go traffic lights in place. A diversion will be signposted via Connolly Street.

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The works are expected to take six weeks but Uisce Éireann has said the road closure may only take place for four of those weeks. 

The local Townlink bus service is avoiding its Supervalu and church stops towards Tullamore during the roadworks.