The important facility that is Rathdowney library is in line for a new roof.
Local councillor, John King enquired at this week’s meeting of the municipal area as to an update on the new roof for which funding has been secured.
The County Librarian, Bernie Foran in her reply reported that a consultant engineer has been appointed to the project. A detailed site investigation of the existing roof and building has been completed. Detailed drawings and construction specifications are drafted and she expected that the contract for the works will be advertised for tender in the next few weeks.
Cllr King welcomed this progress as he said the library was a most important hub of activity in the community.
Flooding in Borris-in-Ossory
Cllr James Kelly has requested the local authority to intervene as a matter of urgency as the winter months approach to tackle the poor drainage system which is leading to flooding in the back gardens of a number of houses at Sliabh Bloom View in Borris-in-Ossory.
The official reply from the Housing Section of the Council said that the Clerk of Works will investigate and provide a report on the matter. Once this report is complete the Housing Engineer will provide an update.
Cllr Kelly said there is a major problem with soil and soakage in this vicinity and that the Council themselves even had to dig a soak pit in the nearby machinery yard. The residents have been highlighting the issue for years.
Supporting the call for remedial action, Cllr Conor Bergin said that it was a serious issue heading into the winter and that the estate was relatively new and only built in 2004.
Cllr John King agreed that the site itself was low lying and from his experience with the fire brigade he believed that the solution to the problem lay with the river and drain at the corner of the Mountrath Road near the estate.
There was a more positive outcome for Cllr Paddy Bracken who asked for the drainage issues at Grove Park in Mountmellick to be addressed.
He was told the works on the road drainage at this location have been completed.
Safer footpaths required in Mountmellick, Borris and Durrow
Local councillors have called for improved footpath and safety measures in Mountmellick, Rosenallis and Durrow.
Cllr Paddy Bracken has asked that the Council repair and make safe the concrete footpath and deal with the safety issues of pedestrian crossings at Mac’s Corner in Mountmellick.
He was told that Transport Infrastructure Ireland will undertake a road safety audit at this junction with a view to including a pedestrian crossing.
Cllr Ollie Clooney has asked that the local authority provide additional lights on the Cork Road in Durrow as it is a busy route for locals. He was informed that the public lighting section will review his request.
Cllr John King has asked the Council to install new kerbing and footpaths in Borris, opposite Midland Tyre filling station as they are currently in a poor state of repair. An engineer will assess the situation at this location.
Cllr Seamus Mc Donald has called on the Council once more to replace the footbridge at Clonduff in Rosenallis as it is of vital importance to local farm families.
The Council have agreed to undertake a structural inspection of the footbridge and update him as to the outcome.
SEE ALSO – Need for loo and facilities in Laois villages highlighted
