Laois County Council have been urged to address the road safety issues at Kirwan’s cross on the L-1619 at Cuddagh, Castletown.
Cllr Conor Bergin raised the motion at the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal Districe meeting this week, describing the issue as “a matter of priority.”
The Fine Gael Cllr recounted a story of a serious incident on the intersection recently, where a van collided with a car and unfortunately landed in someone’s garden.
There was support from Cllrs Ollie Clooney and James Kelly, with Cllr Kelly reiterating just how busy the junction is.
Mr Edmond Kenny, District Engineer said:
“The Roads Department will apply to the Department of Transport for funding under the Safety Improvement Works Programme 2024 for works on this junction.”
Cllr Bergin also proposed that Laois County Council apply to the Department of Transport for funding for resurfacing the R445, formerly N7, at the Pike of Rushall.
The Fine Gael Cllr said the application would come under ‘Former National Roads’ as part of the 2024 investment programme for regional and local roads to be announced early next year.
“Even though the road has been downgraded, it hasn’t gotten any quieter, in fact, I’d say it has gotten busier,” he said.
Mr Kenny confirmed the Roads Department will include the section of the road as part of Laois County Council’s application for FNR funding next year.
SEE ALSO – New Digital Hub to be developed at old Courthouse building in Borris-in-Ossory
