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‘I’m not proud of myself when I see that’ – Councillor pleads for more bus shelters across Laois

Cllr Ollie Clooney continues to plead with Laois County Council for the erection of more bus shelters across the county.

Speaking about driving past bus stops and seeing people waiting in the rain, Cllr Clooney admitted “I’m not proud of myself when I see that.”

The issue has been raised endlessly by various County Councillors over recent months and came up again at the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District meeting this week.

“Bus shelters are not expensive,” Cllr Clooney said.

“Where there is a bus stop, there should be a bus shelter – they go hand in hand.

“I want to send a clear message to the people in charge, that they have to do better; they have to up their game.

“On a personal note: when I see people drowned wet at a bus stop, I’m not proud of myself when I see that.”

Cllrs John King, James Kelly, and Seamus McDonald fully rowed in behind the call for more shelters, reminding Council staff that this is not the first time the issue has been raised.

Continuing with weather-related matters, Cllr Clooney tabled a motion calling on Laois County Council to clean the River Gully from Ballacolla to Dunmore Wood, as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Edmond Kenny, District Engineer said:

“Laois County Council will engage the services of a Consultant Ecologist to inspect the physical constraints to flow on the River Gully between the confluence with the River Nore and the Gully bridge at Clonoghill.

“The removal of blockages will be included on the 2024 river drainage maintenance schedule.”

Cllr Clooney also asked that the Council implement safety measures at Castlewood Cross, Rath, Durrow.

Mr. James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer said:

“Laois County Council Road Design office will review the existing junction and consider options for improving safety at the junction.

“TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) have overall responsibility for the national road and any development or improvements will require TII approval.”

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