Laois pub junction is 'a death trap'
The junction near The Mall pub was described as 'a death trap' by a local councillor. Image: Google Maps
A DANGEROUS junction outside a Laois village pub was described as “a death trap” at a council meeting.
Cllr Ben Brennan made the comment, as he called for urgent road safety works at the junction near The Mall pub in Killeshin.
The Independent councillor said there was a recent “near miss” involving a tractor and trailer on the R430 road, which is regularly used by local farmers. He stressed that farmers were not just asking but pleading for safety works at the junction.
“It is a death trap at the moment, an absolute death trap. Someone will be badly hurt there eventually,” he told the latest meeting of Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
Cllr Brennan also urged the council to act quickly, as it is a particularly busy time in farming. He said: “The farmers are willing to work with us on this, because they see the dangers.”
He explained: “When you come out from Clonmore Meats there, it is very tight. They are looking for the hedge to be cut right back and for more signs. Farmers are pleading, not just asking, for this to be done.”
Cllr Brennan also called for the existing radar sign and traffic sign on the approach to the junction to be repaired.
Senior engineer Tom Drennan replied that the county council had inspected the junction and would carry out verge trimming works, with a view to improving sightline visibility in the immediate term.
Mr Drennan said the council could do “a quick turnaround” in terms of minor work such as road markings. He added: “For bigger intervention, we can see if we can get funding for a road safety scheme.”
Cllr Aisling Moran (Ind) supported Cllr Brennan, saying that safety works were definitely needed as soon as possible.
