WATCH: Laois TD Brian Stanley brings Mountmellick bypass issue to Dáil Éireann

Laois TD Brian Stanley has raised the need for a bypass for Mountmellick in Dáil Éireann, describing the town as "hollowed out" because of heavy N80 traffic and trucks "trundling" through it daily.

Speaking to an almost empty Dáil chamber, he said a new route proposed by consultants in 2020 will shorten the journey past the town by 60%. Minister of State at the Department of Expenditure Emer Higgins, speaking on behalf of Minister for Transport Darragh O' Brien told him the project must first be listed in the next National Development Plan starting in 2031. 

It follows a call by Laois councillor Conor Bergin this week for Laois TDs to use their power to push for the bypass.