Road conditions around Laois continued to dominate local politics this week, with pleas for improvements to be made at locations around the county.
Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin, who joined the meeting remotely, raised the issues at the recent Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.
Cllr Bergin began by asking that Laois County Council arrange a meeting with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) “to address the flooding issues adjacent to the M7/M8 Motorway bridge at Donore, Castletown.”
Cllr Bergin said this “has been an issue for the last 15 years” since the bridge was constructed.
The TII have responsibility for Motorway maintenance so the Fine Gael Councillor urged that the Council work closely with the national body in an attempt to solve the problems.
Cllr Bergin then asked that the Council address surface water issues that are affecting residences in Derrynaseera, Coolrain.
Mr Rory O’Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer, confirmed that following an inspection a new road gully would be provided to remedy issue, with works to be carried out next week.
The Fine Gael Councillor concluded his motions by calling for Laois County Council to address “the severe road surface issues on L-10776 at Brockra, Ballyfin as a matter of priority.”
Mr O’Callaghan said inspections were carried out which showed only 415m is a public road, adding that the roadway is not included in the 2025-2027 Road works Programme.
Mr O’Callaghan advised the residents affected to consider submitting an application “for a Community Involvement Scheme for the section of roadway taken in charge and an application for a Local Improvement Scheme for any portion of the remainder of the roadway they want resurfaced.”
Another Fine Gael Councillor, John King, also raised the issue of road quality in the county, asking that the Council upgrade the road surface in Village View housing estate in Errill.
Cllr King said part of the road surface has become “very rough,” which he said is “a danger for young children living there.”
Mr O’Callaghan was again the person to field the question, saying this roadway has a PSCI Rating of 6 (with 10 being excellent and 1 being unusable).
The engineer confirmed repairs are required on the roadway, but it is not included in the 2025-2027 Road works Programme.
“The Area Office will patch this roadway and will consider localised surface restoration works later in the year subject to the available budget,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
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