Flashing pedestrian crossings could be rolled out across Portlaoise

More Portlaoise pedestrian crossing with flashing embedded lights are likely coming to the town.

A Portlaoise councillor has gained the agreement of Laois County Council to get funding and add more of the flashing crossings, as pictured above on the main street by the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan tabled a motion to the recent Portlaoise Municipal District meeting, asking the council to identify more suitable locations in town for the embedded road lights, "to improve pedestrian safety and visibility".

He was delighted with the answer.

"They will be great in other locations. I have received numerous complaints by people who find that crossing at certain courtesy crossings is extremely dangerous.

"A lot of cars are not even slowing down or stopping, but whizzing by. There are a lot of near accidents.

"On the other side, motorists are getting a fright, there have been some near misses because they are not aware of these courtesy crossings. 

"I commend the embedded lights at Lower Main Street and the Killeshin Hotel, could we put in more at Dunnes service station on the Abbeyleix road and at Millview," he said.

Director of Services Simon Walton said that the new embedded lights were installed on a trial basis.

"There is a cost, we have to buy and install them. We'll have a look at it. Obviously every pedestrian crossing is unachievable. Subject to funding we'd be happy to expand on it," he said.

Read next: Laois Gardaí urge driver caution after four road crashes

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley had seconded the motion.

"Courtesy crossings cause difficulties. Some people think cars are supposed to stop and that causes near misses. The embedded lights can be seen from a distance, particularly on winter evenings," she said.

The council is to meet with Cllr Mulligan, assess suitable locations and seek funding from the state.