Laois County Councillors have expressed their frustrations surrounding the time taken to introduce road safety measures to the N80 junction at Moneyquid, Killeigh.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McDonald argued that the works must be undertaken 'as a matter of urgency'.

"It's a year and a half since I met Laois County Council officials with some of the residents living in that area," Cllr McDonald said.

"There have been two accidents there since that time. Seven years ago, a man lost his life at that dangerous junction, and we all realise how busy the N80 is," he said.

Pictured: the dangerous junction near the Laois / Offaly border, Killeigh. Photo: Maps

"This junction at Moneyquid is seriously dangerous. I would request Rory, to make every effort to ensure that this work is carried out as soon as possible, before other people lose their lives," Cllr McDonald stressed.

Laois County Council's Road Design Office replied that they are liaising with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on works at this location. 

"A traffic count / speed survey is currently ongoing at this location. The results of this will be assessed with the TII with a view to progressing these works subject to funding," the Road Design Office said.

Mountrath Independent Cllr James Kelly supported Cllr McDonald in his motion.

"As Cllr McDonald said, that meeting was over 18 months ago, and the N80 is a very busy road," Cllr Kelly said.

"There are long stretches of road there and there's fierce speed on them. Road users are taking chances on that road unfortunately. It's Moneyquid, and we need the money, we need the funding. The sooner, the better," he said.

Durrow based Independent Cllr Ollie Clooney was critical of TII, arguing that they are 'not playing ball'.

"I want to support Cllr McDonald as well. I think that the roads in the western area have gone down, there's no question about that," Cllr Clooney said.

"We will have to have a serious look at it. But what's the success of the TII? Because my success with them is nil," he said.

"No merit whatsoever. They couldn't even put in safety measures there where they did a bit of work. There was some safety measures there, and they covered them over. So, they are certainly not playing ball with Ollie Clooney, no way," Cllr Clooney argued.

Mr Rory O'Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer with Laois County Council, replied that the Council's Area Office has no direct involvement with TII.

"It's the Road Design office here who deal with all of the national routes, and the TII," he said.

Cllr Kelly reminded Cllrs that once the traffic count and speed survey is carried out, they can then make representations to TII for approval.

This motion was tabled at the October sitting of Laois County Council's Borris in Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.

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