Open water drains feared to be 'slip hazard' in Laois town

Rainwater from drainpipes flowing across the footpath in Portlaoise could cause a slip hazard a councillor warns.

The paved footpath on Bridge Street has dipped concrete drainage channels instead of underground pipes and in freezing weather could be a problem, says Cllr Barry Walsh.

He tabled a motion to the January meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, of which he is the Cathaoirleach this year.

He is requesting Laois County Council to review the building drainage on the street.

"This came up when I was taking part in Make Way Day," the Cathaoirleach of the district said, referring to the annual awareness day for wheelchair access.

"There was a lot of water ponding, some of it to do with water channels. I have sent a report on it. 

"When it ponds it could obviously create a slip hazard in this type of weather," he said at the January 18 meeting during icy weather.

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His motion said that "the existing downpipes are drained through surface channels in the footpath instead of normal under ground drainage pipes. This causes potential slip hazard for footpath users".

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In response, engineer Wes Wilkinson said that the roads office in Portlaoise MD will examine surface water drainage from buildings on Bridge Street, Portlaoise and will report to the MD with proposals to address any issues as appropriate.