‘Narrow escapes’ for councillor at Laois pub ‘pinch point’

A Laois county councillor has had a few ‘narrow escapes’ outside a Rathdowney pub due to the traffic issues at a pub junction.

Cllr John King, Fine Gael, outlined his experience at O’Malley’s pub which is located along the main R433 road through the town as well as being on the square.

He tabled a motion at a recent meeting at County Hall in Portlaoise in which he called on Laois County Council to seek a layout adjustment to the junction. He said this would facilitate improved pedestrian movement in that area.

He said there are problems by day and night there is a lot of uncertainty among motorists at the turn including among trucks going to the meat factory.

Cllr King gave his personal experience at weekends with people congregating and vehicles stopping and passing.

“I made a few narrow escapes crossing the road,” he said.

He suggested that in the long-term that road could be potentially blocked off with other access created to the square.

He was backed by Cllr James Kelly, Independent, who described the junction as a ‘pinch point’. He said a stop sign had to be installed but needs to be made safer.

Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, replied in writing. He confirmed that change is needed.

“Adjustments to the road layout are required at this location which will include the installation of kerbs to segregate pedestrians from traffic lanes, the widening of footpaths on both sides of the road and the installation of a Ggve/way system at the junction. An application for funding will be made to the National Transport Authority for these improvements,” he said.

The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Mountmellick Municipal District meeting.