Residents ‘embarrassed’ by Laois bridge
Cllr James Kelly wants action on the bridge at Ballycleary, Castletown
Residents 'embarrassed’ by the condition of a Laois bridge planted trees to cover it up, a Councillor said.
Cllr James Kelly asked in a motion “that Laois County Council provide funding in the 2027 budget to carry out bridge rehabilitation works at Ballycleary, Castletown.”
In a written response, the Council said: “The MD Office will cost the works to replace the existing timber post and rail fencing with masonry walls to match the existing wall. This work will be considered for inclusion in the 2027 Bridge Rehabilitation Works Programme.”
Cllr Kelly welcomed the news and said “the local residents are fairly embarrassed about this.” He told the meeting that “they had to plant trees to cover over the breeze blocks.”
“If we get this into next year’s bridge rehabilitation works the locals will be very happy,” said Cllr Kelly.
“It would be great if there was a rock armour finish on that,” he added.
Cllr Ollie Clooney seconded the motion and said “it badly needs to be done. I would like to see it done.”
The issue was discussed during the October meeting of Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.