WHAT was expected to be a rubber stamp exercise and decided within seconds, exploded into a heated slagging match between Laois councillors at their September meeting.

WITH tens of thousands of euro already spent on consultants and the seemingly never-ending discussions about an inner relief road for Mountmellick, traffic congestion continues to be a major problem in the town.

THERE appears to be no room, or very little room, at the inn for seven councillors in Laois when it comes to them, meeting ahead of council meetings. Laois County Council comprises of 19 councillors.

FOR over 50 years there has been countless on-going discussions, plans and funding provided for a proposed Inner Relief Road for Mountmellick.

 “It’ll be a disaster,” said one councillor.