Works carried out on the ageing water mains on the R445 between Castletown and Mountrath received strong backlash from councillors at the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal district meeting today.
Cllr James Kelly called the contractor over the works, ‘a disgrace’ and claimed that he had received ‘numerous complaints’ that the reinstatement of the road was, ‘not fit for puropose’.
Cllr Kelly put forward a notice of motion at the meeting, asking that Laois County Council, ‘ensure that the contractor reinstates the road surface to the required standard’.
“They have a turnover of €180 million, you’d think they’d be able to finish a road,” added cllr Kelly.
‘Like as if the Ploughing Championship was in Mountrath’
“The temporary reinstatement is very poor. It’s like rumble strips at the moment. Mountrath is completely blocked up. Like as if the Ploughing Championships were in Mountrath,” he added.
Cllr Kelly was not alone in his condemnation of the works carried out on the busy road, which is also the main entrance road for Mountrath Community School.
“The contractors have a history,” said cllr Brendan Phelan. He also added that he thinks the road will need to be re-done within a year’s time. “I guarantee you we will be talking about that road next year for the roads programme.”
“The road has been left in a desperate, dangerous condition,” added cllr Phelan.
Director of Services Donal Brennan said, “I’m sure if the contractor were here they would defend their own record. It is a well-respected contractor.
“Roads are an asset. Everytime you dig up a road, it’s never as good after you dig it – it becomes a trench.”
He also said that Laois County Council will ensure the provision of road opening licences are fully adhered to.
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