A Laois Councillor has called for additional warning signage to be installed on both sides of the bridge at Ballybrophy Train Station.
Cllr John King called for the measure at this week’s Borris-in-Ossary-Mountmellick Municipal District meeting, describing the bridge as “a dangerous junction.”
The Fine Gael Cllr also called for Laois County Council to “liaise with Iarnroíd Eireann regarding safety measures for the bridge as the junction is becoming a black spot for accidents.”
Fellow Fine Gael Cllr, Conor Bergin reiterated the seiousness of the issue: “People are taking their life in their hands crossing the bridge,” he said.
There is also an issue where the traffic lights are on different sequences.
Cllr James Kelly added: “People are getting delayed and they are then speeding to catch up on time.
“That in itself is dangerous so we really need to get those lights on the same sequence.”
In response, Mr Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer of Roads said: “The Road Design Section of Laois County Council will review the existing advance warning signage provision at this location and examine what additional measures would compliment and support safety at this location.
“Iarnroíd Eireann will be contacted with regard to the review and additional measures as required.”
Cllr King also used the meeting to call on Laois County Council to repair the bridge at Templequaine, Clonmeen, Errill; and additionally make improvements to the car park at the Shrine in Rathdowney.
He asked for hedgerow and kerbing in the area to be removed and replaced with tarmac to in order to provide extra car parking spaces.
The area is expected to become busier with the opening of the new community garden in May.
Director of Services, Mr Donal Brennan said, the Council will explore funding options for the project.
He also confirmed that the Parish of Rathdowney is to take the lease on the car park.
While District Engineer, Edmond Kenny said the Templequaine bridge would be cleared for further inspection.
SEE ALSO – Work to commence next week on project to connect Laois town to its graveyard
