Laois Councillor argues for lowering of dangerous school wall

Laois County Councillor Ollie Clooney has requested that the Council lower a wall at Naomh Pius X National School, Ballacolla.

The Independent Councillor requested that this wall be lowered in the interest of public safety.

Mr Donal Brennan, Director of Services at Laois County Council, responded that because the wall resides on private property, the Council cannot take action.

“Other than in the case of funded road safety measures, the Council would not lower the wall levels of private property,” Mr Brennan explained.

“However this matter can be referred to the Road Design Office to examine the possibility of the location being eligible for funding under road safety measures,” he finished.

Cllr Clooney welcomed this reply, and highlighted the safety risks this wall poses to motorists and pedestrians. 

Pictured: Naomh Pius X National School, Ballacolla. 

“The council built this wall, and we have a low sun there where you can’t see the traffic coming. It’s as simple as that,” Cllr Clooney said.

“If it was lowered even a foot, it could make an awful lot of difference. It’s not rocket science to lower a bit of a wall, and plaster it up,” he argued.

“If we’ve gone that far, we might as well park the bus. This is not a big job, and it could mean that there would be no serious accidents there. If you have a low sun, you’re taking your life in your hands there. So I want to see this done,” Cllr Clooney finished.

Rathdowney Fine Gael Cllr John King supported the motion tabled by Cllr Clooney.

“I want to give my support to Cllr Clooney, I am familiar with the situation as well,” said Cllr King.

“It’s a cavity wall and it's a small wall, so it’s not a big job to lower it,” he said.

“If you have the backing of the school board, and the Council wishes to do it, then it certainly should be done. It’s a crazy road for traffic as well,” Cllr King said.

“There is huge traffic outside of schools now in comparison to before, because there is no carpooling anymore.

“With people travelling at great speeds, prevention is a cure,” Cllr King finished.

This matter was raised at the December sitting of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District of Laois County Council.