There has been uproar in a Laois town as a sign was erected incorrectly stating that the weight limit of a busy main street had been reduced to 3.5 tonnes.

Rathdowney’s main street and a section of Ossory street recently underwent road resurfacing and redevelopment works, including the installation of a pedestrian crossing and updated footpaths.

Rathdowney’s main street is regularly used by heavy goods vehicles, providing access to the town’s meat factory.

Pictured: The entrance to the meat factory yard saw 3.5 tonne weight limit signposted

A sign was erected on Friday at the entrance to Dawn Meats factory in the town centre, stating that the weight of vehicles accessing the main street was to be no more than 3.5 tonnes. The sign has since been removed, with a pole left in place.

Dawn Meats has been operating in the heart of the town since 1996, and functions as the town’s largest employer.

There was much concern online as locals speculated how the announced weight limit would restrict the flow of heavy goods vehicles through the factory.

Speaking with the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Fine Gael Cllr John King explained that the erected sign was an error made by the Council.

“This was a major mistake by Laois County Council, and the sign is going to be removed," Cllr King said.

Pictured: the sign incorrectly installed by Laois County Council

"I do not know whether another sign will be put up with a different weight limit. Three and a half tonnes- a car and a trailer would weigh that, it’s crazy. Trucks weigh around 20 to 25,” the Fine Gael Cllr shared.

“We have widened the footpaths at O’Malley’s corner, we have strengthened the footpaths to ensure it is safe for pedestrians.

"Pedestrians and students walking down from St Fergal’s College are safeguarded. The footpath is strengthened with mesh, and the trucks can’t drive on it until it’s settled,” he said.

“In widening the footpaths, we did not decrease the size of the road. We cleaned it all up there and it looks very well, it cost nearly €240,000 to develop all around the area, and it looks a lot cleaner and a lot brighter,” Cllr King finished.

These works were carried out through funding secured under the Town and Village Scheme grant of €213,000. 

This project is being carried out by Laois County Council’s area office in collaboration with the Regeneration Team. A €50,000 grant was also allocated for the redesign of Rathdowney's town square, with a new design currently in the works.

The roadworks follow the development of a Town First Plan for Rathdowney, which examined the town's challenges and potential, making suggestions for improvements and paving the way for grant applications.

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