Traffic problems for visitors to Portlaoise cemetery
Visitors to their loved ones in Portlaoise cemetery are having big traffic problems.
The rapidly expanding St Peter and Paul's cemetery is meeting equally growing traffic on the Stradbally N80 road.
One older woman's solution is to cycle to her husband's grave, says Portlaoise Cllr Noel Tuohy.
He wants Laois County Council to paint a yellow box at the entrance, so that people can have a clear space to drive in or out.
"There is a constant flow of traffic from the cemetery, particularly when you are turning right towards the town. One woman came to me and said that the only time she drives her car is to visit her husband in the cemetery. She now cycles. She in in her 70s. It's sad.
"The gate is not wide enough. It's sad to see these people trying to get out onto the road," Cllr Tuohy said.
He tabled a motion to the March meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, asking for the painted yellow box.
It was seconded by Cllr Willie Aird.
"I congratule Noel for putting down this motion. It is great to see this is going to get a yellow box. Before people used to park across the road, now 90% of them drive in. A huge population visit every day," he said.
Portlaoise Muncipal District engineer Wes Wilkinson replied that the box will be painted in the coming weeks.