A 'lovely road' in Laois was 'cut up' and patched, a councillor claimed

A “lovely road” that was ‘cut up” and “patched” back together needs to be resurfaced, a councillor insisted. 

Fine Gael Cllr John King made the comments in relation to the stretch of road in Rathdowney during a recent council meeting. 

He tabled a motion asking “that this Council resurface the road from Main Street, Rathdowney to St Fergal’s College  as a matter of priority for the 2024 Roads Programme. Part of the problem is pavement  structure, other works carried out by Uisce Eirean and heavy traffic on a daily basis  which is causing cracks and potholes to occur.”

In response, Senior Executive Engineer, Edmund Kenny said: “The R433 in Rathdowney Town will be resurfaced as part of the next three year multi-annual roadworks programme. Staff from Laois County Council will arrange to meet the elected member at the road to inspect the defective pavement.”

Cllr King said he would like to see the work carried out this year if possible as he said it is important for shops along the road. 

“It is terrible to see a lovely road cut up and it doesn’t matter what way it’s patched, it’s not patched at the same level,” he said. 

He stressed the importance of a Main Street for towns and villages and said if it looks well people feel good about it. 

Independent Cllr James Kelly supported the motion and said if it could be done this year, “well and good”. 

The issue was discussed at the January meeting of Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.