Laois council warned Portlaoise roundabouts and crossings can’t be seen
Reflectors and lighting called for
Refelectors should be installed on Portlaoise’s mini roundabouts and Laois County Council must also make pedestrian crossings more visible at night.
The need for cat's eyes and better lighting to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians in the Laois county town was raised with council officials when Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald tabled a motion calling on the Council to install cat’s eyes on the small roundabouts.
The Fianna Fáil councillor said drivers who are unaware of the small roundabouts are surprised when they come upon them at night.
“They are nearly on top of one when they realise it’s a roundabout,” she said.
Cllr Fitzgerald said she had seen them deployed in other counties.
“I am getting complaints about the Killeshin Hotel and at the Parish Church. It’s very dark at the Church,” he said.
Cllr Barry Walsh, Fine Gael, also favoured cat’s eyes, especially for visitors to the town.
Wes Wilkinson, Senior Engineer for Portlaoise, replied in writing to Cllr Fitzgerald.
“I will make myself available to meet with Cllr Fitzgerald to examine any priority locations of concern. The existing roundabouts were installed to the relevant design standards at the time of construction. The Portlaoise Municipal District Office will examine roundabouts in Portlaoise town with a view to refreshing road markings where required,” he said.
The issue was raised at the March meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.