Residents ‘living in fear’ over speeding at Laois railway station

RESIDENTS near a local railway station are “living in fear” because of constant speeding outside their homes, according to a county councillor.

Cllr Conor Bergin appealed for additional speed warning signs on the R435 at Ballybrophy railway station, as he highlighted the problem at a council meeting.

Cllr Bergin pointed out that there are two different sets of traffic lights with two different sequences in the area and drivers are “taking risks”, so additional warning signage is needed.

His proposal at the latest Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District meeting was supported by councillors John King and James Kelly. 

Cllr Kelly suggested that “bad driver behaviour” in the area should be reported to gardaí.

In response, senior roads engineer James Dowling said the area engineer would meet cllr Bergin on site to discuss the installation of additional speed warning signs.

Cllr Bergin also asked the council to address “severe road surface issues” at Cappagh South, Mountrath. 

Describing the L10778 local road in Cappagh South as “brutal”, particularly for the numerous residents living in the area, he asked for it to be included in the county council’s next roads programme.

After the proposal was seconded by cllr Kelly, Mr Dowling confirmed that surface repairs at Cappagh South would be carried out by road maintenance crews in coming weeks.

In response to another request by cllr Bergin, the engineer said that surface repairs would also be carried out in the Ballyfin area in coming weeks.

He confirmed that the repairs would be carried out on the L10776 local road at Brockra, Ballyfin and that a road number signpost would be installed.