Road safety measures and additional parking spaces are badly needed at a Castletown estate, according to a local county councillor for the area.
Cllr James Kelly has called on Laois County Council to carry road safety works and provide extra car parking facilities at Churchfield Heights in Castletown.
Speaking at the recent meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District, Cllr Kelly said it’s “not the first time I’ve brought it up about Churchfield Heights”.
“There’s a very sharp turn on the way into the estate. It can be like a Grand Prix race, it’s a very dangerous bend.”
And Cllr Kelly added that with most families having two cars, there’s a requirement for additional parking spaces.
“There is huge space there for it,” he argued.
Cllr Conor Bergin supported the motion. “There is a huge green area there and they are in dire need of more car parking spaces.”
Edmond Kenny, a District Engineer for the area, responded by saying that Laois County Council will meet Cllr Kelly in the estate “to examine the current parking layout with a view to determining the needs of the residents for additional spaces”.
Separately, Cllr Kelly proposed that the council, through its Active Travel Fund, instal an extension of the existing footpath on the Ballyfin Road in Mountrath.
“This is a matter of urgency,” said Cllr Kelly, who cited that the path was close to the Mountrath Respite Care Centre.
“I hope we can get something done as soon as possible.”
The council response stated that the issue will be raised with Active Travel to examine how funding can be arranged.
