‘Disgraceful’ situation in Laois town as national ‘breaks up’
Claim that overhaul of road through Mountmellick was not up to standard
The main road through Mountmellick is ‘breaking up’ just two years after getting a big overhaul, a Laois councillor has claimed.
Cllr Paddy Bracken,Fianna Fáil, raised questions about problems with the N80 at a recent meeting with Laois County Council officials.
He tabled a motion calling on the Council, in conjunction with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to repair “damaged and dangerous” footpaths along with the “damaged” sections of roads on the N80 through the town.
He said the damage has taken place since the route through the town was resurfaced in 2022.
“The road was done a couple of years ago and the whole lot is breaking up…It is unbelievable, particularly on Emmet Street and along the Tullamore Road,” he said.
He said the problems were highlighted recently on a tour of the town with the new Town Team and the council’s regeneration Officer.
“It’s disgraceful,” he said.
He also lamented the fact that TII is responsible for all work on the N80 which means Laois County Council staff cannot be deployed to make repairs.
James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer in the Council’s Roads section replied in writing.
“Laois County Council Road Design department. will inspect the site and seek funding from TII for repairs to footpaths and road carriageway along the N80,” he said.
The issue was raised at a meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District in County Hall.