Einstein not required in Laois to prove need for pedestrian crossing

Somebody will be knocked down on the busy Laois Kilkenny road through Durrow due to the absence of a pedestrian crossing at the church and playground, a councillor has warned.

To emphasise the need for the long-sought safety measure, Cllr Ollie Clooney, insisted that Albert Einstein would not be needed to prove it is necessary.

The independent councillor flagged the issue at a recent meeting with Laois County Council. He tabled a motion calling for an update from the local authority on the proposed pedestrian crossing on the N77 at the Roman Catholic Church.

Cllr Clooney said efforts to have a crossing installed have been made for years to improve safety at a black spot caused by speeding traffic.

“There is a speed limit but it is totally ignored,” he said.

He warned of the consequences of not taking action because it is very dangerous.

“A lot of people cross there and some of them are elderly. It is only a matter of time before someone gets knocked down. You don’t have to be Einstein to know that,” he said.

Cllr Clooney added that a speed ramp was needed to remind speeding motorists how fast they are driving.

He was backed by Cllr James Kelly, Independent, who said there is a lot of community activity in the area due to the playground, church and community hall.

James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer in the council’s Roads section replied.

“Laois County Council Road Design have issued a design report to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII0 for approval. Following approval by TII, Laois County Council will seek funding to arrange for the construction of the crossing,” he said.

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