Cat's Eyes proposed for Laois road
Image for illustration purposes only
AT the latest meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick municipal district, Cllr James Kelly proposed the installation of Cat's Eyes on the Mountrath to Portlaoise Road.
Cat's Eyes are reflective glass studs designed to increase illumination on dark roads.
In response to Independent councillor James Kelly's proposal, a representative of the area office said: "The MD office will undertake a visual inspection between Mountrath and Portlaoise within our functional area. The deployment of Cat's Eyes is determined by localised visibility, accident history and fog vulnerability. Following this review, roads will be listed for consideration under the low-cost road safety schemes or regional road allocations, subject to department funding."
Reacting to the response, Collr James Kelly once again lamented what he called the ‘famous four’ words ‘subject to department funding.’ However, the councillor did accept how current rising costs of materials was projected to reduce the budget for roads issues such as resurfacing.
He said: "However, they are vital road safety measures. They illuminate road boundaries and edges in the dark, they assist drivers in maintaining proper lane positions, so it is a serious issue on many of our busy roads."
Cllr James Kelly also asked the representative if funding and management for roads was fully the responsibility of local government or if there was some percentage that government had to provide for. The representative confirmed that, though many of the regional roads used to be considered national roads and were, therefore, the responsibility of government, their recent downgrading had resulted in funding being cut.
