New by-laws needed to help pedestrians and cyclists on road that has been ‘destroyed’

New by-laws may be needed to help pedestrians and cyclists on a Laois road that has been “destroyed.”

Independent County Councillor Aisling Moran called for the introduction of a by-law in relation to a road in Coolglass, Wolfhill.

Cllr Moran accused Coillte of having “destroyed” the road, which lies between a Coillte forestry and the main N80 and N78 roads.

Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer at the Council’s Roads Department responded, saying the road “does not meet the criteria for a weight restriction to be imposed.”

Cllr Moran said she could not understand that answer, explaining that “there are hundreds of trucks, with two loads on each truck, coming out of the forestry onto that road.

“Kids can’t cycle on that road any more, they can’t walk on the road. The road was eaten up.

“The road was destroyed; and Coillte just disappear – the won’t answer emails, phone calls, nothing.

“It’s not fair on the locals that live there. I just can’t understand that the Council would allow Coillte to come out and rip up 9km of roadway.”

Cllr Moarn also asked for a “solution for speed on Maganey to Barrowhouse road as there has been two serious accidents in the same location over the past couple of months.”

Mr Paul McLoughlin, Acting Director of Services, said Laois County Council would inspect the location with a view to installing additional warning signage and roadmarkings.

“An Garda Siochana will also be contacted regarding the possibility of including this road in a speed enforcement zone, providing a speed van to assist in enforcing the speed limit and improving road safety along this section of road,” he added.

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