The lack of proper car parking facilities at Clonaslee Heath Centre has been described as “totally unfair.”
That is the opinion of local County Councillor, Paddy Bracken, who was speaking this week at the September meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District.
Cllr Bracken called on the Council, in conjunction with the HSE, to “address the serious parking and safety issues” at the Health Centre on the Birr Road, Clonaslee.
“Over 10,500 patients attend that centre every year, an average of over 200 per week – over 40 a day,” the Fianna Fáil councillor said.
“There’s also the public health nurse, three doctors, a nurse, and there’s clerical staff.
“There’s no parking on the side of the road – a very busy road. But there’s ample space for additional parking in the confines of that Health Centre.
“It’s totally unfair, especially on elderly people, having to go in and out and park on the side of the road.”
In response, Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer, said: “There is no space available for on street parking outside the Health Centre.
“Laois County Council can request the HSE to provide additional parking within their boundary.”
Cllr Bracken then called on the Council to “address the very dangerous footpath” in the Silverwood Estate, Mountmellick.
Mr Dowling said Council Road Maintenance Crews will attend to this repair “in the coming weeks.”
Unimpressed by the response, Cllr Bracken hit back, saying: “This is a major issue. This has been looked at before, now it needs to be addressed.”
The Fianna Fáil councillor concluded by asking that footpath be lowered on either side of the junction at Smiths Corner, Mountmellick “in the interest of pedestrian safety.”
Mr Dowling again responded, saying Municipal District staff would inspect the junction along with Cllr Bracken.
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