‘Nightmare’ junction in Laois town needs urgent repairs
The junction of three streets in Laois has been described as a ‘safety issue’
A busy junction in a Laois town has been described as a “nightmare” for those living at it and for pedestrians by a local councillor.
The junction of Connolly Street, Lord Edward Street and Sarsfield Street in Mountmellick is now a “safety issue”, according to Councillor Paddy Bracken.
Speaking at the recent meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick MD, Cllr Bracken requested Laois County Council to provide an update on the progress of repairs and improvements to the damaged pedestrian railing at the busy junction.
Senior Executive Engineer for the MD, Rory O’Callaghan, said that a topographical survey of the junction was carried out last week.
He explained that the survey data indicates that the footpath width at the pharmacy at the junction does not meet current pedestrian standards.
A detailed traffic calming design is needed on the Sarsfield Street approach to the junction.
Mr O’Callaghan stated that the damaged pedestrian railing will be repaired as a temporary measure and the portion on the Sarsfield Street approach will be setback to provide additional clearance for oncoming heavy commercial vehicles.
“It’s a very dangerous junction. The railing has been taken out of it a few times. It’s a nightmare,” Cllr Bracken told the council.
“It is a safety issue now as the railing has been taken out of it. It’s a nightmare for people living there and pedestrians.”
Laois County Council have sought quotations for works at the junction and its design has been referred to the Road Design team.
However, Cllr Bracken emphasised that this has long been an issue yet there is “still no time frame on anything being done with it.” He also noted that it had previously been brought to the attention of Road Design.
In terms of the scope of works which could possibly rectify the issues, Mr O’Callaghan pointed out that there are limited options particularly when it comes to improving the layout.
He suggested that a one-way system or traffic lights may be the only solution.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme