Racing car driving on Laois ‘death trap’ bends

A Ballyfin road is a ‘death trap’ but motorists are driving the stretch as if they are on a racing track according to a Laois councillor who wants County Hall to get national funding to make it safe.

Cllr James Kelly, independent, called for action at a meeting with Laois County Council officials. He tabled a motion appealing for road safety measures on the R423 regional road at Gilligans, Brockera and Dermodys, Cavansheath Ballyfin.

Cllr Kelly said the Road Safety Authority has a programme to fund 150 low-cost safety schemes which the Council should seek money from to address what he said is a potentially fatal stretch. Cllr Kelly said there are five houses along the narrow stretch which has a series of bad bends. However, he said some drivers take the bends as if they are in Mondello Park racing track.

“It’s a death trap,” he said.

Cllr Kelly said residents had raised the problem on the doorsteps during the local election campaign. He said they do not expect the road to be straightened but would expect some measures such as a flashing sign to warn motorists about the dangers. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Cllr James Kelly was re-elected to Laois County Council in June. Pic: Alf Harvey

His motion said it should be done as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2024.

James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer, in the council’s Roads section, replied in writing. He said the Road Design Department would meet with Cllr Kelly to assess potential road safety remedial measures.

The problem was highlighted in Portlaoise at the July meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.