Concerns over new road scheme along Portlaoise road

THERE were differing opinions on the merits and long-term effects the new road scheme along the Abbeyleaix Road in Portlaoise will have when the issue came before the recent meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District Council.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan initiated the debate when he asked what the medium to long-term plans for the road were?

He was informed by the council’s acting director of Services Paul McLoughlin that: “A number of meetings with relevant stakeholders have been held throughout the respective phases of the N77 works to date and further meetings can be facilitated if required. 

"An independent Stage 3 post works road safety audit has been completed for this scheme. Whilst the audit identified some minor items that will be attended to in the short term, it is clear from surveys conducted that prevailing vehicle speeds are down, active travel usage is up and one of the main approach roads to the town has been greatly calmed and enhanced, all of which were key deliverables for the scheme.” 

Cllr Mulligan said: “There’s a lot of frustration and issues out there regarding the changes to the Abbeyleix Road by local residents.

He said: “Residents in Marian Avenue and Clonminam Road are requesting that the entrance and exit to their estate be widened and curbed because they’re finding it hard to get out and cross the road. 

"They’re also requesting that bollards be placed on each side of the entrance on the cycle lane. They reckon they would slow down scooters and bikes. 

"Residents in Powers Court are also asking for the entrance to their estate be widened and curbed.” 

He also pointed out that bollards along the road are being knocked over by cars and some are lying crooked.

He asked: “Do we replace them each time they fall? How much do the bollards cost each time they are replaced?” 

He said that drivers find the bollards distracting when driving, “particularly older driver who are nervous driving on the narrow road and watching on-coming traffic at the same time.” 

Cllr Mulligan said that people are complaining that the areas around the bollards are not being maintained, saying: “Grass and weeds are being let grow. How often will the grass around these be cut? Who is responsible for maintain around the bollards?” 

He said there was also concern expressed to him about emergency vehicles being delayed along the road because other vehicles would not be able to pull over to let them pass.

“Around match days, the idea of the bollards was to keep the cars off the footpaths. But the bollards haven’t stopped this. Cars are getting in behind the bollards. So, you’d wonder are the bollards serving their purpose,” said cllr Mulligan.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said: “There’s a lot of people really happy with the new road. 

"Every second person you meet are saying how well it looks and being maintained. I’ve never heard one person complain. In fact it’s all compliments for the amount of work that’s being done on it.” 

Cathaoirleach of the district council cllr Willie Aird said a number of entrances and exits to and from businesses and housing estate along the road are still too tight.

He said the only people who now appear to be complaining about the new road are “the people coming in from outside the town who see the road is narrow and they have to slow down.” 

He added: “I’ve never seen so many people along the Abbeyleix Road putting in flowerbeds or pulling weeds. I saw two boys down on their knees cleaning out weeds up along the wall along the GAA pitch. But the fear I have is when the contractors on the road go away. What’s going to happen then? It’ll cost a fortune to maintain along the road.

“I don’t know what we’ll do to stop the cars from parking there. When you go to a match you have to park somewhere.”

 Mr McLoughlin said: “Regarding the bollards. The way it was put to us (Laois County Council) was no bollards, no (road) scheme. There was a long history of parking related problems along the road on match days.” 

He said that he would look at measures to prevent cars from getting in and parking behind the bollards and would meet with residents from the areas along the road that have issues.