It was a busy day in Laois County Council this week with the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District holding their November monthly meeting.
The six Councillors in the area raised motions on numerous local issues, including cemetery management, road safety, fire station facilities and more.
Cllr Conor Bergin (Fine Gael)
Cllr Bergin said the onus is on Laois County Council to widen the existing entrance and erect a new set of entrance gate into Camross cemetery which would allow hearses and cars to access the graveyard.
The Fine Gael councillor said proposals have been discussed with the land owner in question and an agreement has been reached, adding “it’s up to the Council now.”
Mr Ken Morley, Senior Executive at the Council’s Corporate and Community Department, said the situation is currently under review, adding that “any works which might be undertaken will be considered as part of the normal project planning and prioritisation process.”
Cllr Bergin also requested an update on the renovation of Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse, which is to become a new digital hub, with Mr Morley clarifying that the Council is aiming put the project out to tender in the first quarter of 2025.
Cllr James Kelly (Independent)
Cllr Kelly used all three of his motions to highlight road safety issues in the Mountrath area, beginning with cat’s eyes on a 5mk stretch of road from Roundwood to Mountrath.
The Independent councillor said the cat’s eyes are “not fit for purpose,” a “monstrosity,” and urgently needed to be replaced as they are “too high off the ground.”
Mr Rory O’Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer, said the Council “will listen to the issues raised,” but added that the Council “does not intend removing the cat’s eyes” in an area he described as “prone to fog.”
Cllr Kelly also highlighted what he described as two of the busiest roads in the county, asking that the Shannon Road be included in the 2025 Road Resurfacing Programme, and for safety measures to be implemented at the Portlaoise/Ballyfin/Rushin junction.
Cllr Paddy Bracken (Fianna Fáil)
Pedestrian safety was at the heart of all three motions from Cllr Bracken, who highlighted various issues in Mountmellick that require “urgent attention.”
Cllr Bracken called for road repairs on Chapel Street; a new footpath in Irishtown; and that “the constant flooding” of footpaths in Grove Park Housing Estate be addressed.
Mr Paul McLoughlin, Acting Director of Services, said Laois County Council will apply to the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) for funding for Chapel Street; while Mr Rory O’Callaghan said a survey will be carried out and a design for the new Irishtown footpath will be developed.
Cllr John King (Fine Gael)
The big story from Cllr King was his request for Laois County Council to write to Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, requesting funding for a new fire station in Rathdowney.
Cllr King said Rathdowney now has three female members, meaning the current building is no longer fit for purpose, adding that a new site is available, but the Council need funding from the Department to move forward.
The Fine Gael councillor also asked for funding to to widen and resurface the road at Middlemount, Rathdowney, which he said “has been a black spot for accidents over the years”
Finally, Cllr King called for the County Council to put pressure on landowners to trim or remove dangerous and rotting trees beside public roads “due to the strong possibility of storms and flooding during winter months in order to make our roads safe for all motorists and walkers.”
Cllr Ollie Clooney (Independent)
Having called for Laois County Council to re-surface the car park at Aghaboe Abbey, Cllr Clooney was informed that the car park is privately owned and therefore out of the remit of the Council.
Undeterred, the Independent councillor suggested the Council circumnavigate this problem by dealing with the car park as a tourist matter.
Cllr Clooney went on to ask the Council to take in charge the laneway leading to Durrow graveyard, as well as extending the footpath in Ballacolla to Park Cross, with Mr Rory O’Callaghan saying any plans were dependent on the availability of funding.
Cllr Seamus McDonald (Fianna Fáil)
Roads are always a high priority for the councillors in the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District, and none more so than Cllr McDonald.
The Fianna Fáil councillor asked for the road at Clonurk, Ballyfin, to be in the 2025 Roads Programme; that the Council take in charge the road at Lorrigan, Clonaslee; and road repairs at Maclone, Rosenallis.
Mr Paul McLoughlin, said the Road and Transportation Department will assess the road in Clonaslee for consideration, while Mr Rory O’Callaghan confirmed the requested repairs will be carried out in Rosenallis.
