‘Dire traffic problems’ in one of Laois’s biggest towns requires ‘urgently needed, necessary investment’

A local County Councillor has called for “urgently needed, necessary investment” to alleviate “dire traffic problems” in one of Laois’s biggest towns.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken was speaking at the April meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District this week, where he raised several concerns about traffic in Mountmellick.

Cllr Bracken first called for the installation of ramps on Lord Edward Street and Harbour Street in the town, saying “this is now urgently required as a result of the road recently being paved.”

Cllr Bracken praised the “great work” done by Council staff on the renovated road surface, but added that the improved quality of the road would mean people would soon be “driving at motorway speeds.”

Citing the road’s proximity to both Emo and Portarlington, Cllr Bracken said there would now increased speeding concerns, especially for young families walking to school.

Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer for Roads said staff from the Municipal district will meet with Cllr Bracken “to discuss the interventions to reduce the speed” along the two roads, including road markings, speed radar signs and ramps.

Mr Dowling confirmed the cost of each traffic ramp on public roads is approximately €5,000, and that installing ramps would also require the installation of additional public lighting.

Cllr Bracken then turned his attention to Main Street in the town, calling for Laois County Council, in conjunction with the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland), repair “damaged and dangerous” footpaths along with “damaged sections of roads” on the N80 through Mountmellick town.

“This road was only done about two years ago and it’s already breaking up,” Cllr Bracken said.

He bemoaned the fact that TII  are now in charge of roadworks and road maintenance in the centre of Mountmellick, not Laois County Council, saying “you can’t get good work done.”

The Fianna Fáil Cllr landed the blame squarely at the door of what he called the TII’s “bad workmanship.”

Mr Dowling said the Laois County Council Road Design Department will and seek funding from TII for repairs to footpaths and road carriageway.

Cllr Bracken concluded by calling for the Council to “refresh the road markings and put new markings to slow down the traffic from Hickey’s Bridge to Manor Road on the L-20976 in Mountmellick.”

Cllr Bracken said the “huge volume of traffic” on the road is “lethal, especially for residents” as drivers use the road to bypass Mountmellick town centre.

The traffic lights at the bridge are also a point of contention for Cllr Bracken, who asked for signage to make people aware of the traffic-light sensors that have been causing traffic pile-ups at busy times.

Mr Dowling confirmed Council staff will will arrange for the installation of new and replenishment of existing road markings on the road.

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