Laois could be the first county in Ireland to get painted roads near schools

Laois County Council is to explore the possibility of colouring roads red near schools in order to warn motorists to slow down. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran requested the move at a meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. 

She asked in a motion “that Laois County Council in conjunction with the TII, do a pilot project on road safety, using Arles, Ballickmoyler and Killeshin. Changing the colour of the road when inside a 50km zone to a red colour, to signify a change in speed and being a constant visual reminder of the speed limit.”

In a written response, the Road Design Office, said: “Road Design are currently assessing the various locations from a Road Safety aspect. Any changes to the road colouring will be subject to agreement with the TII(Transport Infrastructure Ireland) in line with Technical Specifications.” 

Cllr Moran said painting the roads would slow traffic around schools and act as a visual reminder to motorists in relation to the presence of schools and schoolchildren in the areas. She said “it works in other countries” and would only be needed over a short distance on approaches to schools. 

“We would be the first county to do it. It is a constant visual reminder,” she said. 

However, Cllr Moran was not pleased to hear the TII would have to be involved. “When you give them ideas they won’t even listen to you,” she said. 

Laois County Council Senior Executive Engineer Tom Drennan said he would look at the proposal to see what options could be explored. 

READ ALSO: Lyme disease warning signs for Laois parks

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan seconded the motion. He said the road in Killeshin wasn’t a national route so the council “don’t have to worry about TII” at that location.