Crossroads crash in Laois sparks call for safety works
File image for illustration
TWO drivers had ‘a lucky escape’ in a high-speed crash at a rural Laois crossroads, prompting a councillor to call for urgent safety works.
The frightening collision at Blandsfort Cross in Ballyroan was highlighted by Cllr Barry Walsh, when he called for extra safety measures at the cross.
“There was a recent accident, a lucky escape actually,” Cllr Walsh told the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District (MD).
“Someone driving from the Ballinakill side towards Timahoe went straight out through the crossroads. They weren’t from the area and claimed they did not see the Stop sign or road markings.”
The Ballyroan councillor added: “A driver on the main road smashed straight into them, at high speed as well. I would like to see more signs and safety measures there, as it’s a very busy junction at times. If we could highlight a bit further back that the crossroads is coming up, that might help too.”
His proposal was supported by district cathaoirleach Cllr John Joe Fennelly, who asked whether an application for safety works would include a flashing warning sign indicating a junction ahead, like the one in Ballypickas.
In a written reply, a council official said that road markings at the cross will be repainted. The Portlaoise MD office will also apply for safety improvement works funding from the Department of Transport, in order to carry out additional works at the junction.
Area engineer Wes Wilkinson said that safety issues at the crossroads can be reviewed in the meantime but there are space restrictions at the site.
Cllr Walsh also called for sightline improvements at Cobbler’s Hill, Ballyroan and Ballycarnan Crossroads, Portlaoise.
A council official said that verge trimming works were already carried out at the junction of the R430 and L7771 roads at Cobbler’s Hill to improve visibility.
Works will also be carried out in the third quarter of 2025 on the R425 at Ballycarnan crossroads, under this year’s funding for safety improvement works.
Welcoming the replies, Cllr Walsh said he was contacted by local people regarding road safety risks at Ballycarnan, so he was delighted the project would be carried out soon.
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald also welcomed the imminent works at Ballycarnan, which she described as a very dangerous crossroads.
