Road safety in Portlaoise is under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, following a number of tragic fatalities on the town’s roads.
Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley raised the matter at the meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District this week.
Cllr Dwane Stanley called on Laois County Council to install traffic calming measures in Clonkeen View in the Bellingham Estate.
The Independent Councillor said there is a “fear in estates that not enough is being done” in terms of traffic calming measures.
Cllr Dwane Stanley cited several “horrifying tragedies” seen on Portlaoise roads in recent weeks and months.
She also said that “insufficient public lighting,” “lack of car parking,” and “poor driver behaviour” were all further contributing factors to the “dangers on our roads.”
Earlier this month, Portlaoise Parents For Safer Streets (PPFSS) identified “fundamental road safety deficiencies” that are causing “severe and persistent hazards” in the estate.
PPFSS are an advocacy group for greater road safety in Portlaoise.
Mr Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed the Portlaoise Municipal District Office would install a traffic calming ramp in Clonkeen View.
Later in the meeting, Fine Gael Councillor Barry Walsh asked that Laois County Council relocate the pedestrian crossing at the Rossvale Roundabout on the Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise.
Cllr Walsh called this an “obvious” issue, saying residents are complaining about the speed at which motorists drive through the roundabout.
Mr Wilkinson sId the the Council’s Road Design Department would assess the location.
But Cllr Dwane Stanley opposed the relocation, saying the crossing has been in place since before the installation of the roundabout.
Cllr Dwane Stanley espoused the benefits of the crossing on pedestrian safety over the years.
Cllr Walsh, however, reiterated that he does not agree with pedestrian crossings immediately after a roundabout, calling it “an accident waiting to happen.”
