A decision by Laois County Council to go ahead with pedestrian and cycling improvements at a busy roundabout in Portlaoise will be notified to An Bord Pleanala, as it could have a bearing on a planning development nearby.
Approval was given this morning to go to Part VIII public consultation on the proposed improvement of pedestrian and cyclist facilities at the Rockview Roundabout, Mountrath Road in Portlaoise.
Approving the move, Cllr Willie Aird said this was an issue that a number of councillors have raised. However, he added that residents are concerned over a planning application for further development which will include the entrance coming out further up the road.
“That decision is now before An Bord Pleanala,” he said.
He questioned if they allowed it to go ahead, would An Bord Pleanala have to be informed.
Seconding the move to go forward to Part VIII, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said there are “huge concerns” about the entrance being moved at the nearby estate. She requested that An Bord Pleanala be notified as soon as possible.
Director of services, Kieran Keohoe said a planning application for a development in the area was submitted last year, and is going through the process still.
“In the interim, the members have pushed for a remodeling of the roundabout,” he said.
There is a time issue on the improvements as it is planned to carry it out in tandem with the new circular route off the Abbeyleix Road.
“Should members approve the Part VIII I will immediately write to An Bord Pleanala as the amendment could materially affect their decision,” he said.
He added that the new design and improvements have gone through a safety audit.
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