Narrow Portlaoise town centre street like 'Mondello Park'

A narrow one-way residential street in Portlaoise town centre has been likened to Mondello Park, due to the poor driving behaviour of motorists.

Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Buggy is calling on Laois County Council to put a speed bump on Jessop Street.

Jessop street runs past the Midlands Park Hotel parallel to Portlaoise Main Street. It was built as an entire new street along with the hotel and Hinds Square, in a major celtic tiger project by a local developer.

Cllr Buggy who represents Portlaoise Municipal District, described the problems.

“I was shocked to see the speed of vehicles. It reminded me more of Mondello Park. This is a narrow residential street. I had a lot of residents onto me. I appreciate that this is being installed as soon as possible,” he said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion, She said that she is delighted to see the widespread streetlight fault recently addressed by Laois County Council.

“It has made a big improvement,” she said.

“I agree that there is a lot of speed, and then it’s choc a bloc at busy times,” she noted.

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Cllr Barry Walsh said he has been contacted about anti-social behaviour as well on Jessop Street.

“I had enquiries on the speed, the lights and some incidents of anti-social behaviour. Measures like this improved the quality of life for residents,” Cllr Walsh said.

In answer to the motion, Portlaoise MD office has agreed to install a traffic calming ramp on the L21129 Jessop Street, in the vicinity of house numbers 21 and 22.