A new ramp/pedestrian crossing at the entrance to a housing estate in Portlaoise is being viewed by those who live there as a ‘serious and extremely dangerous’ health and safety concern.
The offending article is found at the entrance to the Beechfield Estate on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise.
The issue was brought up at a recent meeting by Fianna Fail Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald.
She spoke to residents who explained to her how the new ramp has caused a big problem.
She said: “Residents now consider the junction to have become extremely dangerous and a constant risk to the health and safety of its users, especially pedestrians, cyclists and scooter drivers.
“Car drivers exiting the estate must now drive onto the new ramp/pedestrian crossing in order to get a clear view of oncoming traffic on the Mountmellick Road.
“No adequate clear view is available without driving onto the ramp/crossing, due to the presence of a high wall and high trees on both sides of this junction.
“Due to the dangerous, disruptive and confusing situation which has arisen for all users of the Beechfield exit junction, I, on behalf of the residents, request that an urgent review by Laois County Council takes place.”
Senior Engineer, Diarmuid Donohue, explained how the new entrance came to be.
He said: “Beechfield entrance was redesigned to improve the safety of pedestrians crossing the road.
“Previously, the entrance was 20 metres wide and has now been reduced to eight metres wide with vehicular access maintained.
“The works provided comply with current design standards.”
It was agreed that Council officials would meet with residents to discuss a solution.
Cllr Fitzgerald also asked that an update be provided on the vacant site that is adjacent to the estate.
She said: “The fire service has been called up there on several occasions to put out fires.
“People are staying up all night as they are afraid to go asleep in case their oil tanks catch fire.
“This is not fair on the residents in Beechfield.”
Senior Planner, David O’Hara, explained that a development is planned for this site.
He said: “Planning permission was granted on this site for a housing scheme of eight units. No commencement notice has been received to date.
“The site was subject to the Derelict Site proceedings which resulted in the removal of the dwelling on the site.
“The planning authority will carry out a site inspection under the Derelict Sites Act and take appropriate action.”
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