Abbeyleix safety concern over National Ploughing route through town
An Abbeyleix councillor has expressed concern at local traffic safety because one of the routes to the National Ploughing Championships goes through the town.
The Gardaí have published their recommended routes to the huge championships in Ratheniska in Laois, which take place from Tuesday to Thursday, September 19 to 21.
Cllr John Joe Fennelly has expressed reservations for safety on a narrow local road leading off the route that will be used by locals to avoid ploughing traffic.
He is requesting permanent traffic calming measures on the Old Town Road, in a motion tabled to the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.
The council has agreed to meet on site of the L-16566 to identify locations for road signage and markings.
Cllr Fennelly warned of danger when the ploughing traffic hits town.
"It's crazy busy. It was the ratrun of Abbeyleix years ago. Next week is the ploughing but you won't get two cars passing on this road to Blackhill. It is on one of the designated routes," he said.
Cllr Barry Walsh seconded.
"I was surprised the Gardaí designated this route. It is busy with a lot of tight spots. We need to look at cutting back ditches. It is going to cause issues," he warned.