Trees and shrubs causing an obstruction to motorists in Laois housing estate
The junction at the Highfield Meadows in Portlaoise where overgrowing trees and shrubs are causing an obstruction to motorists trying to exit the estate.
OVERGROWING trees and shrubs on the approach to a stop sign in the Highfield Meadows estate in Portlaoise are causing an obstruction to motorists who cannot see the sign which in turn is causing concern locally.
Cllr Marie Tuohy, speaking at the recent Portlaoise Municipal District Council meeting said: “While the stop sign is very welcome in that location and slowing traffic, it’s just its visibility that is causing concern. Can we also get a line across the road there as well?”
The council’s senior executive engineer Wes Wilkinson said that the work would be carried out and that a line would be repainted on the road.
Cathaoirleach of the district council cllr Willie Aird asked that when councillors submit similar motions could a timeframe be given as to when the works would be carried out.
He said: “I’m told it’s taking up to three months to get to do these jobs. Have we more contractors to cut back the trees? At the moment we only have two landscapers.”
Mr Wilkinson said there are currently three service contractors and a landscaping contractor engaged by the council.
Cathaoirleach Aird said: “The problem is the timeframe and the bird nesting season. The next thing is we get to the end (programme of work) and there’ll be a lot left to do, like other years, and the council will say we can’t do anymore because of the bird nesting season.
“I think that when a motion is passed we should be then told when the work would be done, whether its four or five weeks.”
Cllr Tommy Mulligan asked: “But, would the council be able to adhere to that timeframe?”
Mr Wilkinson said that there should be no problem observing a timeframe provided the work is listed on the agreed programme to be addressed or locations that he described as “areas of special interest.” Cathaoirleach then queried if councillors inserted the word ‘special interest’ into issues they wanted addressed would they get priority?
He said: “The problem is there isn’t a housing estate in Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Ballinakill or anywhere in our administrative area that are not looking for trees to be trimmed.
“I’m just nervous that we’re going to get through the winter fairly quickly and there’s not going to be enough of this work done. But if you (Mr Wilkinson) say it can be addressed, then I’m happy with that.”
