Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District not receiving ‘fair share’ of roads funding

The Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District is being underrepresented in terms of roads and not receiving a “fair share” of the funding.

That is according to Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin, who was speaking at the final meeting of the western area district before the Christmas break.

Cllr Bergin said the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick MD has “40% of the road network in County Laois,” but that the funding they receive for roads “does not fairly reflect” that fact.

Cllr Bergin was speaking in relation to several motions by himself and other Councillors which involved road repairs and improvements in one form or another.

He began by calling on Laois County Council to install a speed ramp on Church Street, Borris-in-Ossory “as a matter of priority,” adding “speed ramps save lives.”

Mr Rory O’Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer, said the MD Office “will carry out a traffic assessment to evaluate traffic volumes and speeds to determine the necessity of a speed ramp.”

Mr O’Callaghan said that other traffic calming mmeasures such as signage and road markings will also be considered.

Cllr Bergin went on to ask that Laois County Council “address the road safety issues” on Castle Avenue, Borris-in-Ossory.

Mr O’Callaghan responded again, saying the MD Office “will carry out a survey of the roadside hedgerows and will issue hedge cutting notices to the relevant landowners, where required.

“The visibility at the junction with the R445 will be prioritised.”

Cllr Bergin also asked for the missing signpost for Skierke/Killasmeestia on the L-1512 at St Marks Church, Borris-in-Ossory to be replaced.

The Fine Gael Councillor said: “We know these signposts can end up anywhere, from pubs and even abroad; it shouldn’t happen, but it does.”

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