Laois Council doesn't need much evidence of need for action

Laois County Council will not have to carry out much investigative work to establish the case for a pedestrian crossing in Cullohill, a public representative has insisted.

Cllr Ollie Clooney, Indepependent, made the claim at a meeting with officials in Portlaoise where he tabled a motion calling for a pedestrian crossing on the Main Road at the community centre.

James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer in the council’s Roads section, replied in writing.

“Laois County Council road design department will review the current pedestrian movements at the community centre and investigate the potential for installing a pedestrian crossing,” he said.

Cllr Clooney felt this process should not take long to complete.

“I don’t think you’ll have much investigating…just come and see the speed of the traffic,” he said.

Cllr Clooney said the Community Centre was one of the busiest in Laois but is located on a very wide and straight road.

“The speed limit is supposed to be 60km but it seems like 100km (with the speed of traffic). People are crossing the road and they are taking their lives in their hands. This has to be done as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, backed him.

“Everybody knows that speed kills. Where there are pedestrian crossings it makes drivers think they have to stop but if they don’t think they have to stop they will fly through,” he said.

Laois Council selling affordable lakeside homes near Portlaoise schools

Buyers invited to apply for Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme

 The issue was raised at the Borris-in-Ossory Moutmellick Municipal District meeting.