Safety measures approved for Laois hospital

ROAD safety measures have been approved for a hospital near Portlaoise, which provides long-term residential care for older people.

The need to improve safety for traffic going in and out of St Brigid's Hospital in Shaen was raised by Cllr Paddy Buggy, at the December meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District (MD).

Cllr Buggy asked Laois Co Council to increase safety at the junction outside the hospital on the L-21335 road, where there is busy traffic from staff and visitors.

He particularly asked for a Stop sign to be erected and for road markings to be installed at the junction beside the hospital, which cares for more than 20 elderly residents.

Run by the HSE, the community nursing unit provides long-term care for people with dementia, continuing care, palliative care and respite needs.

In a written response to Cllr Buggy’s proposal, a council official confirmed that staff from the Portlaoise MD office had examined the area at the exit from St Brigid's Hospital onto the public road.

The official said: ‘They intend to make arrangements for a Stop sign to be erected and road makings to be placed on the exit road.’ 

Welcoming the swift response, Cllr Buggy said: “It’s a terrific facility and this will add to the safety of both staff and visitors in a big way."

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.