A Laois County Councillor was extremely disgruntled at the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District meeting this week over works that were only half done.
Fianna Fail Councillor Paschal McEvoy raised the issue of passing bays, or lack thereof, that were to be installed on a road connecting the Athy Road to the N80 past St Joseph’s GAA pitch in Kellyville.
Works were carried out on one side of the road where 10 passing bays were created but not on the other.
Cllr McEvoy said that it had been promised to him by the Council that both would be done.
He passed this on to the residents who were subsequently were annoyed when this did not transpire – sending him a very strongly worded letter.
Addressing Senior Engineer Philip McVeigh, Cllr McEvoy asked him specifically why what he had been promised had not transpired.
Cllr McEvoy said: “I rarely get angry or thick in here but this has really annoyed me.
“Why weren’t all of the passing bays done? It is not fair and it makes no sense.
“We are talking here about a stretch from St Joseph’s GAA pitch near the N80 back to Ballykilcavan Brewery.
“The election is well over now so I am not bringing this up for votes, I am simply looking for fairplay.”
In response, Mr McVeigh said: “The plan was to do half by direct labour and half by contractor.
“A tender is now being sought for a contractor to complete the other half.”
In response, Cllr McEvoy said: “I’m sorry now Philip but that makes absolutely no sense.
“I sent you on the letter that I received via email too which you didn’t reply to either and I wasn’t happy about that too.”
Cathaoirleach of the district, Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins, agreed with Cllr McEvoy.
He said: “I share your frustrations Cllr McEvoy. You were subject to a backlash based on promises that were made to you.
“You were slammed and you were left hung out to dry over it.”
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