People in one Laois town are having to turn the light on their phones on to avoid falling when making their way home from their library.
So Fine Gael Councillor Vivienne Phelan told a meeting of the Graiguecullen-Portarlington district this week.
Cllr Phelan made the comments in relation to the library in Stradbally which she said is extremely dark due to a lack of lighting in the area.
She called on the council to prune back trees at Court Square in Stradbally and review the lighting in this area to ensure public safety for library users at night time.
Cllr Phelan said: “Older people meet there once a week and they tell me they have to use the light on their phones to guide themselves out afterwards.
“They are afraid they might fall so anything that can be done would help the situation.”
Phelan received a response from Senior Engineer Philip McVeigh who said: “The area office will arrange to have trees pruned back in consultation with the landowner and will liaise with the council Public Lighting Section re. the public lighting in this area.”
Cllr Phelan also requested that the Council improve the road surface at the bus drop down area outside Timahoe National School.
To which Councillor Phelan got a response from Philip McVeigh Senior Engineer.
He said: “Laois County Council has examined this location and is currently obtaining quotations for resurfacing this bus drop down area outside the National School.”
In a final motion, Cllr Phelan asked that carry out road surface improvement works at Garryglass, Timahoe.
She said: “I’d say about 10 people have contacted me about this.
“The water lodges on it and we have a freeze thaw action.”
In response Senior Engineer Philip McVeigh said: “Laois County Council has examined this road and has included this road in the 2025 draft road surfacing.”
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