Extra Portlaoise buses wanted to stop school traffic jamming up estates
Laois County Council is asking Transport Infrastructure Ireland for more buses on popular Portlaoise service
More public Portlaoise buses could ease traffic blockages for residents beside schools, a Portlaoise Municipal District councillor has suggested.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan is asking Laois County Council to pass the message on to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TFI) who run the Portlaoise Town bus service.
Tabling a motion to the October meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, he described the frustrating situation for residents beside Scoil Chríost Rí and St Mary’s CBS on the Borris Road.
“This has been an issue for years with congestion on that road.
“It’s having a detrimental effect on the residents in Ashley Gardens in particular. Residents are having difficulty getting in and out at school times. There are very few solutions. I’ve sat with council officials, Gardaí and residents. We’re trying to find options.
“I think if there was an extra bus service, I think it would have a huge effect on the volume of cars down there. The PL1 is a huge success but it fills up straight away and the kids have to wait for the next bus.
“If we can have a few extra buses at the Hawthorn Drive stop, It’s very accessible, and it takes the kids away from the schools as well.
“It would take the volume of cars out and free up that congestion. It’s well worth trying. It’s a viable and practical option.
“The TII may not be interested, we may have to approach private bus owners, but traffic is a council matter. Parking is a council matter,” Cllr Mulligan said.
His motion suggests that the buses be put on at peak school traffic hours. It was seconded by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.
The TFI will now be asked to carry out his request.