'Narrow escapes' prompt calls for action on Laois road

A meeting heard action is needed on a road where vehicles overtaking on a hill resulted in ‘narrow escapes’ for drivers.  

Describing the situation as “an emergency,” Fine Gael Cllr PJ Kelly put down a motion asking for safety measures at the location. 

He asked: “That Laois County Council put in place measures to stop overtaking on the hill on the Portlaoise side of Ballybrittas at the Christmas Tree Depot. Some residents there have had narrow escapes trying to gain access onto that road.”

Senior Executive Engineer Philip McVeigh said  “Laois County Council will arrange to meet on site with the Elected Member to scope the additional measures to be put in place.”

Cllr Kelly told the meeting that residents living along the Portarlington  said of the road “naturally look to the right hand side of the road” when pulling out of their driveways. 

However, if a car is behind a slow moving vehicle and they overtake on the hill and come over the brow on the wrong side of the road. 

“A couple of residents said it to me. It is getting very risky,” he remarked. The motion was seconded by Cllr Aidan Mullins.

The issue was raised at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.