The Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise has come under renewed scrutiny as the road continues to be a source of concern in the town.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of 2025, the Portlaoise Municipal District reconvened this week, two County Councillors raised concerns and suggestions for the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan first asked that Laois County Council install yet another yellow junction box to help alleviate the difficulty of exiting housing estates on the Mountmellick Road.
The Independent Councillor the road has been “left behind for the last 20 or 30 years.”
Mr Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer at the Portlaoise Municipal District Roads Office, confirmed a yellow box would be installed at the entrance to The Village housing estate.
Later, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley tabled a motion calling on the Council to provide an update on progress made to install three roundabouts on what she called “the forgotten road.”
Mr Conor Delaney, Executive Engineer, said the Road Design Department “have engaged a service provider to undertake a Feasability and Options report for the N80 Portlaoise to Fairgreen Scheme.
“The proposed installation of new roundabouts on the N80 Mountmellick Road will be assessed and included as part of this report, in a format required by TII.”
Sticking with driver and pedestrian safety, Cllr Mulligan went on to ask that the County cut back the trees “as a matter of urgency” along the Railway Wall in St Brigid’s Place.
The Independent Councillor said this work was necessary “in order for the ESB to reinstate public lightning.”
Mr Conor Delaney, Executive Engineer, said: “Laois County Council have engaged with the ESB and works at this location are scheduled to be carried out this week.
“The lighting contractor has been notified and will carry out the necessary work in conjunction with the ESB to help resolve this matter as soon as possible.”
Cllr Mulligan also asked that the Council carry out tree cutting between Woodlawn Villas and New Row/Craydon Court housing estates and to repair the footpath beside the green in Woodlawn Villas.
Mr Wilkinson, said the Portlaoise MD Area Office would “examine the trees” in question “with a view to carrying out tree works on a phased basis.”
He also committed the Portlaoise MD Office to repairing the Woodlawn Villas footpath under the Councillors Discretionary Maintenance Programme.
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