School bus drivers flag risks on 'very dangerous' Laois bends
Bus drivers who bring children to schools via the Laois road between Donagmore and Rathdowney have called for action to improve safety because of the lack of visibility on the route.
Cllr John King, Fine Gael, flagged the risk they've highlighted with Laois County Council officials when he raised the issue at a recent meeting.
He tabled a motion calling on the Council to remove the hedgerows and some embankments on both sides of the road. He said this would require the local authority to lease land from landowners on the regional R435 road.
Speaking at the meeting he said there are "very dangerous bends" out of Donagmore on the Rathdowney road and he has first-hand experience of the risks involved which have, of late been "highlighted to him by school bus drivers".
“It has been a black spot for accidents as I know from my time (working) in the fire service. It has not changed since,” he said.
Cllr King said landowners are willing to negotiate but the problem would not be tackled until visibility is improved by reaching an agreement with them.
Cllr James Kelly, Independent, backed his colleague.
“It is a very dangerous situation for the (school) kids there,” he said.
He added that the R435 is busy with traffic in particular trucks and other heavy vehicles. He added that overgrown hedgerows have ripped wing mirrors from buses.
Cllr Kelly said a small area on each side of the road is all that is required to be removed but if it does get done it will be much safer for all on the road.
Edmond Kenny, District Engineer, replied in writing.
“Laois County Council engineers will review the forward visibility on the approach to the village to determine the extent of hedgerow that would need to be removed to comply with current standards,” he said.
The issue was raised at the May 2023 meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.