Laois councillors concern over 'patchwork' repairs
Laois councillors were highly critical of the state that some roadways were left in following temporary repairs.
Cllr Aidan Mullins raised the issue at a recent meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.
Cllr Mullins asked “that Laois County Council replace the tarmacadam used in recent footpath repairs along Main Street in Portarlington and reinstate the brick paving.”
The motion was seconded by Cllr Paschal McEvoy.
Senior Executive Engineer Philip McVeigh explained that the paving would be replaced in Portarlington.
“These temporary macadam repairs were required following the completion of the ESB works on the footpaths in November. Eir are currently removing some overhead lines and poles and should be finished by end- February. Laois County Council will then arrange for all of the temporary macadam areas to be permanently reinstated with brick paving,” he said.
Thanking Mr McVeigh for his response, Cllr Mullins said he had been afraid the road would be left in “patchwork” as it was. He claimed there was often “shoddy workmanship” where temporary repairs are carried out.
“It’s like they knock up a wheelbarrow of tarmac and tamp it down with a spade or a shovel. It’s never levelled off, the surface is very uneven,” said Cllr Mullins.
He said there are a number of locations in the town where the tarmac is not at the same level as the footpath.
He claimed it was creating “a trip hazard” particularly for the elderly and could potentially expose the council to legal action.
Cllr Ashling Moran also questioned some of the workmanship she had seen in temporary repairs.
“I am requesting and proposing that from now on before anyone is ever paid for any works, whether it is cutting down a tree, filling in a hole, that it is checked to make sure it is done correctly before they are paid,” she said.