Council should install drop kerb outside Ballinakill GAA grounds
A DROP kerb must be installed at the entrance to Ballinakill GAA grounds, alongside the extension of the footpath that loops around the grounds.
A drop kerb is a section of pavement typically found at the entrance to properties where the kerb is smoothed to meet the pavement of the main road, thereby making it easier for heavy vehicles to exit roadways.
The motion was brought before the latest meeting of Portlaoise municipal district by Fine Gael’s Barry Walsh.
The official response from the area office highlighted that the it would meet with Cllr Walsh on site with a view to examining the proposal for additional drop kerbs; in addition, the representative of the council highlighted that funding did not currently exist for the specific works and would need to be found through some scheme or other.
Making his case to his fellow councillors, Cllr Walsh alluded to his recent meeting with representatives of Ballinakill GAA club, where they said the reason for the new drop kerb at the club’s secondary entrance was because the main entrance was proving too difficult for large trucks carrying machinery into the club to swing into. A drop kerb at the club’s larger second entrance would make it easier for those trying to negotiate the sharp turn.
Turning to the footpath, the councillor said: "As for the footpath, I believe that it was identified a few years ago that a footpath would be used along that area and we had a positive reaction to it that it was ready for a footpath, but it never happened. I think it was back during the recession times when, maybe, money wasn't available, so we’ll try and get another pedestrian entrance up further.’’ The chair of Portlaoise municipal district Cllr John Joe Fennelly seconded the motion.
