Speed 'a constant concern' at junction to The Island in Laois

Laois might be the furthest inland county in Ireland, but it still has an island, and its residents have traffic problems.

Traffic speed at the junction of The Island to the N77 Portlaoise Abbeyleix road has some 32 households of the area in "constant concern".

However locals must wait for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to come and make a decision on safety measures.

Laois County Council says the matter is one for the TII, because the N77 is a national road.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan has asked for the TII to explore road safety options. He describes the worrying situation.

"This is an area on the way into Abbeyleix, on the Portlaoise side. There is a huge issue regarding road safety. Speed is a constant concern. There is a road sign at the Island, maybe if they brought that further out. The 60km sign could be brought out to the far side, that might help.

There is also water lying, there are not enough gullies on the road. Is there talk of upgrading this stretch of road, with lighting," he asked.

Cllr Mulligan was tabling a motion to the May meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

The council say they will ask the TII to examine the junction to the L67201, for possible safety measures.

Director of Services Simon Walton explained that it is not up to them.

"Anything we do is subject to the approval of the TII. We can have a look at the strip of public lights if there is a dark spot. I'm sure the TII will accommodate that. 

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"The Laois speed limit review will come before members in line with the national review, I believe this year but I don't know when. It's a national road so it's subject to the TII. If they don't agree to extend the 60km speed limit it won't be extended. That's the way the statute books are written," he said.