Improved public lighting is urgently needed at a well-known former Laois hotel before it results in ‘the tragic loss of life’.
The Montague Hotel in Cappakeel, near Emo, is home to a stop along the Green Bus (Airport Bus) route, and it is this bus stop that is causing such concern.
The matter was the very first motion raised by new Laois County Councillor, Vivienne Phelan, now fully embedded in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
The Fine Gael councillor asked that public lighting at the hotel be upgraded and improved “to facilitate the safe use of public transportation.”
Cllr Phelan said there are 20 to 30 residents of the hotel, which is still in use as a Direct Provision site, who take the Green Bus to and from work.
“They’re leaving for their jobs in Newbridge and Naas on the 5.30pm and 6.30pm buses,” she said. “It’s very dark there; I don’t know how there hasn’t been accident.”
Cllr Phelan said there is plenty of room for a new public light that would not cause any light pollution to the surrounding houses.
Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer at the Council’s Roads Department, said an inspection of the site will be carried out.
Cllr Phelan then went on to as the Council to install speed ramps at Miners Walk Estate, Crettyard, which she described as a small estate of just 14 houses, but attracting unusually high levels of traffic, especially at night.
Mr Philip McVeigh, Senior Executive Engineer said the County Council will arrange for a speed survey to be carried out for the roads in this estate.
Finally, Cllr Phelan ended her first list of motions by calling for an update on the Council’s taking in charge of Cill Beg Manor Estate and the housing development surrounding the Heritage Hotel, Killenard.
It was explained that the residents had been in contact with the developer, but the situation was ongoing, with the Council still trying to take charge of the area.
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