Construction work on a new housing development in Laois is leading to difficult living situations for the affected residents as well as causing ‘serious road safety concerns’.
That is according to Independent Councillor James Kelly, who raised the issue at the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District’s final monthly meeting.
Cllr Kelly began the meeting by thanking Laois County Council staff, including the fire service and road crews, for their work on managing the effects of Storm Darragh.
Then, with his first motion, the Independent Councillor asked that the County Council provide speed ramps at Radharc Na Sliabhte Housing Estate on the Shannon Road in Mountrath.
Cllr Kelly said the ramps were needed “to slow down the traffic going through to the new 49-unit development Derrybeg Close”.
He explained that planning permission had been granted by Laois County Council to give access through Radharc Na Sliabhte to the new development, but said “there was no provision for slowing down traffic”.
Cllr Kelly outlined some of the issues raised in a recent planning complaint made by residents of Radharc Na Sliabhte:
“Vehicles are entering the site before 7am, which they are not supposed to do; heavy goods vehicles are coming into the estate after 10pm, which they are not supposed to do; construction vehicles and workers are driving at speed through the estate; and cement lorries are being parked outsides people’s homes for hours,” he said.
Mr Rory O’Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer, said the road is included in the 2025 Restoration Improvement Roads Works Programme, adding:
“The provision of measures to comply with speed limits will be examined as part of the design process.”
Next, Cllr Kelly asked that the Council “reinstate the boundary wall” at Deanswood Housing Estate, Ballybrophy Road, Borris in Ossory “in the interest of road safety for all,” and asked that the matter be dealt with “urgently.”
Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin strongly supported the motion, with both he and Cllr Kelly highlighting the growing number of residents in the area.
“There are now three estates on that road” Cllr Bergin said. “You’ve Slieve Bloom View, St Patrick’s Terrace, and Deanswood now as well – all in small area. They need this boundary wall.”
Mr Donal Brennan, Director of Services, said Council staff will meet Cllr Kelly on site “to further explore possible solutions to this issue.”
Cllr Kelly’s final motion was for works to be carried out to address the flooding issues at Spa Hill, Mountrath “as a matter of urgency.”
Mr O’Callaghan confirmed that the necessary works would be carried out.
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