Sunken manholes causing drivers to "swerve and dodge" in Portlaoise

Laois drivers are swerving and dodging manholes that have sunk deep into the road surface of a busy town, says a Portlaoise councillor.

The sunken manholes in the N80 Mountmellick road in Portlaoise are causing a “significant inconvenience” to drivers says Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

He tabled a motion to the February Portlaoise Municipal District meeting.

“I received a lot of complaints from local residents who drive this road. Some are repaired but there are still lowered manholes. They have gradually sunk.

“Motorists say they are swerving and dodging these manholes. The stretch is from the Ballyfin road up to Fairgreen, and at Crookedy,” he said.

In response to his motion, Laois Roads Design will now carry out a full assessment of the area.

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"There are drainage works being carried out along the route at present. Upon completion, any manhole issues will be rectified," the department promised.

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Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley asked that manholes on the road's footpaths also be included.

“As someone who walks there, near the soccer pitch you'd absolutely break your neck, it's completely sunk,” she said.