‘Significant deterioration’ of Laois road causing safety concerns

Significant deterioration on a road in Laois which is causing road safety concerns needs to be addressed, a Council meeting was told.

Cllr Conor Bergin asked in a motion: "That Laois County Council apply to the Department of Transport for funding under the former National Roads restoration/resurfacing funding category or any similar available funding programme to facilitate the re-surfacing of the R434 road from Moloney's Garage, Mountrath to Derraugh Crossroads in view of the very poor condition of this section of roadway and the significant deterioration in the road surface which is causing safety concerns for road users"

In a written response, the Municipal District office stated that: “An application for Former National Routes funding in 2027 has been completed by the MD Office and is with the Roads Department for submission to the Department.”

Cllr Bergin said “that stretch as you come out of Mountrath, it has gotten very bad.” He said it needed to be resurfaced and acknowledged that such a job would likely use up half the Municipal District roads budget.

Cllr James Kelly seconded the motion and said there had been major works carried out there a number of years before. He expressed concerns about the markings on the road which he said had deteriorated completely.

The issue was discussed during the October meeting of Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.