Falling branches a potentially deadly hazard in Emo

Falling branches have damaged cars and could cause injuries or even death around Emo, a councillor has said. 

Cllr PJ Kelly put down a motion, which was seconded by Cllr Paschal McEvoy, asking that action be taken to make the area safe after a number of cars were damaged by falling branches. 

He asked: “That Laois County Council contact Coillte or the OPW to investigate and make safe the trees or branches of trees between the old entrance and the new entrance into Emo Park, as some branches have fallen and damaged cars over the last few months.”

Cllr Kelly told the meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District that the road around the area is narrow with trees right up to the edge. 

“People walk that stretch of road as well obviously so it could be detrimental to someone’s life really because no one would see it coming. If it hits a car fine, you can repair it but not someone’s head. That’s a different situation.”

Senior Executive Engineer, Philip McVeigh said the council would contact the landowner.

“Laois County Council will contact the landowner regarding cutting back the trees and branches overhanging this section of road,” he told the meeting.