Laois County Council has agreed to install three passing bays from the N80 up to St Joseph’s GAA grounds at Milltown.
This is St Joseph’s secondary GAA grounds away from their primary pitch in Kellyville.
The issue was raised by Fianna Fail Councillor Padraig Fleming who explained that the road is very narrow and two-way traffic ‘is very limited’.
He said: “We had a meeting with the GAA club and the road is actually so narrow that it was hard to identify where the passing bays should go.
“When two vehicles meet, you are left with no choice but to reverse at times.
“It is a busy spot, especially with all of the juvenile training that take place there.
“So I would be hopeful that the work could be done before the summer.”
Separately, Laois County Council has agreed to install a lay-by area on the approach to Leylandi Estate Drive in Ballylinan.
Cllr Fleming explained how this move will help to improve traffic flow both in and out of the estate.
He said: “We met with the Resident’s Committee over there and the road is very twisty.
“They are happy as this move will make the entrance safer and also slow down the traffic.”
Finally, Cllr Fleming asked that Laois County Council consider installing passing bays at ‘strategic locations’ from Pedigree Corner to Shanragh Cross in Wolfhill.
He said: “There is a lot of traffic on this road including HGVs which makes it difficult to pass.
“The road is also being eaten away from it all. In parts, lorrys are hitting off ditches.”
Engineer Philip McVeigh said that he would meet Cllr Fleming along the road to see what could be done.
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