Mountrath could be in line to receive a boost to its current parking facilities in a move that would “mean a lot” to the people of the town.
That is the view of Independent Councillor James Kelly, who raised the matter at the September meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District this week.
Cllr Kelly had initially asked for an update on the provision of the car park on Council lands in Mountrath.
The lands in question are at an important strategic location, adjacent to town’s cemetery and the community school.
The Independent councillor said this is “an overgrown area” that could easily be converted into new car parking spaces which, he said, “would mean a lot for parking in the town, especially for funerals.”
Mr Ken Morley, Senior Executive at Laois County Council’s Community Department responded, saying:
“Funding for future development of this car park will be considered as part of the overall budgetary process – both the Revenue Budget and the three-year Forward Capital Indicative programme.
“In addition, the Council will examine potential external funding opportunities as they may arise.”
Cllr Kelly also called on the Council to provide a traffic calming ramp at Mountrath Community School and Applegreen, as well as a pedestrian crossing “in the interest of road safety for all.”
He told the Council that children cross the road before and after school to go to the shop, making it a potentially lethal spot without these suggested calming measures.
Mr James Dowling Senior Executive Engineer at the Council’s Roads Department responded, saying the Road Design Department will carry out an inspection of the site “to investigates suitable measures to be implemented.”
The Independent councillor was none too impressed by the response, complaining that he had raised the same issue on three previous occasions and each time received the same response.
Cllr Kelly concluded his motions by asking for the installation of street lights at Spa Hill, Mountrath “to provide safety for pedestrians.”
The footpath in question was installed over two years ago, in July 2022.
Mr Dowling confirmed the Council’s Public Lighting Department “will arrange for a public lighting design and costings to be carried out.”
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