Laois hospital goer blocked in their driveway by school traffic
More measures wanted to stop Laois school traffic parking on paths after resident’s driveway blocked
An Abbeyleix resident was prevented from leaving their home to attend to a hospital appointment recently, after a driver parked across their gateway, while waiting to collect children from school.
It “can’t happen” again, says Cllr John Joe Fennelly from the Portlaoise Municipal District.
He tabled a motion to a recent meeting of the district, asking for double yellow lines to be painted on the Ballyroan road.
He wants them to run from the junction to the Rathmoyle road to Scoil Mhuire National School, Abbeyleix.
Cllr Fennelly noted the work already carried out by Laois County Council to stop parents parking up illegally.
“In fairness we got great work at that school three or four years ago putting in ramps and lights, pedestrian crossings, the whole lot.
“Unfortunately some people waiting to pick children up from school are actually blocking entrances for people exiting their houses.
“The only way I can see out of it is either yellow boxes or double yellow lines.
“One particular family told me that a couple of weeks ago he was trying to get out for a hospital appointment, and the gateway was blocked. This can’t happen.
I know it’s in the 50km speed zone so I’m hoping something can be done to alleviate this problem,” Cllr Fennelly said.
Cllr Barry Walsh seconded and supported the motion.
“It can be quite chaotic there during drop-off and pick-up times,” he agreed.
“I hope this will solve the issue. I’m not sure what the solution is. In fairness for people who pick up their kids there’s not too many solutions to park there. They’re caught, but it is an issue for people getting in and out,” he agreed.
In response, Portlaoise Municipal District officials are going to visit the site with Cllr Fennelly to examine it regarding painting double yellow lines.