'Jagged stumps' a danger to Portlaoise schoolchildren

"Jagged stumps" is how broken footpath timber bollards were described by a Portlaoise councillor recently.

Laois County Council is being asked to repair or replace broken and damaged bollards at the end of Summerhill Lane.

The residential local road links the Southern Circular road at Beladd to Portlaoise GAA grounds, greatly used by young players.

Cllr Marie Tuohy tabled a motion with the request to the November meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

"We know this is going to be an ongoing problem with these bollards, particularly at Summerhill Lane, used by a huge amount of children. The broken ones are jagged stumps. Children are playing, jostling each other. It's safer to take it away," she said.

Her motion was seconded by Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

"This is a health and safety issue. There is a huge footfall of students on this road. It needs to be addressed as soon as possible," Cllr Mulligan said.

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In reply, the Portlaoise Municipal District office agreed to examine the location and arrange for repairs.