Facebook is "a nuisance" for Laois politician

FACEBOOK is “a nuisance” according to a Laois politician, who suffered a pasting on social media over the state of local roads.

Cllr John King from Rathdowney told a council meeting today that he “got a fierce going over” on Facebook last night, over the terrible condition of the road surface outside the Card Stand on the town’s Main Street.

“Facebook is a nuisance I have to say but at least it gives people a chance to air their views,” he told the February meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District.

Nevertheless, he had to agree with negative social media comments as he described the state of three local roads in particular as “an emergency”, despite repeated appeals for works.

He asked for urgent road repairs and resurfacing from the Card Stand as far as Church Street in Rathdowney, at the Manor Stone filling station in Ballacolla and at Donaghmore.

The Fine Gael councillor said: “This request from me is ongoing for far too long and now, following the recent bad weather, these roads have got much worse and this is now an emergency.” 

The request was seconded by Mountrath councillor James Kelly (Ind).

Senior engineer Rory O’Callaghan replied that the R433 road at Main Street, Rathdowney is included in the 2025 Roads Programme, so resurfacing will be carried out as soon as possible this year.

Mr O’Callaghan agreed that the R433 road at the Manor Stone Service Station has deteriorated, due to the recent severe weather. He said that this section of roadway would be prioritised for treatment, once the 2025/2026 Roads Programme is reviewed and approved. Meanwhile, the R435 at Donaghmore is included in the 2025/2026 Roads Programme.

Cllr Kelly said he was contacted a number of times regarding the Donaghmore road, where a series of bends needed to be removed. He asked the council to liaise with the local landowner, in order to obtain the land required.

Cllr King agreed and said: “There is a four-foot embankment there, where stones are protruding and they end up on the road.” 

The engineer confirmed that he would meet councillors on site to review the work required.