New signage could be on the way to County Laois to drive home the message that the use of E-Scooters on footpaths is illegal.
While there is no regulatory sign in the Department of Transport’s Traffic Signs Manual, Councillor Aidan Mullins says “there is nothing preventing the Council from erecting their owns signs.”
The newly Independent councillor was speaking at the September meeting of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District, of which he is sitting Cathaoirleach.
Cllr Mullins called on Laois County Council to “erect public signs on streets in towns in the Municipal District indicating that the use of E-Scooters on footpaths is illegal.”
In response, Mr John Purcell, Assistant Engineer, said: “There is no regulatory sign in the Traffic Signs Manual indicating that E-scooters are prohibited to use footpaths.
“The road traffic regulations 2024 provides that signs for bicycle use will also apply to e-scooters.”
Cllr Mullins, however, said that answer was “meaningless” and went about picking it apart.
“We know they’re prohibited from the new E-Scooter regulations,” he said.
“For a lot of the members of the public it is already understood that bicycles are aren’t allowed on footpaths, but many of them do not understand that it is only since May illegal to use E-Scooters on footpaths.
“What’s to prevent the Council putting up signs saying ‘E-Scooters not permitted on footpaths’ on streets? Just because it’s not in the manual doesn’t mean (the Council) doesn’t have the authority to do it.”
Cllr Mullins went on to ask for an update on the former HSE Clinic on French Church Street, Portarlington, just off the town centre.
The Independent councillor asked if the site is “available for community use,” adding, “It’s sad to see it left empty.”
Ms Elaine Moore, Property Management, said “The HSE have recently advised that they no longer have a requirement for Portarlington Health Centre, however, Laois County Council are not in a position to purchase same due to funding constraints.”
Cllr Mullins also asked for a speed ramp and Children at Play signs to be installed in Crann Nua Estate, Portarlington.
A meeting was agreed with Mr Philip McVeigh, Senior Executive Engineer, to inspect the location and “assess the works required.”
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