The government has been called on to act to lower the cost for lorries and trucks who have to pay tolls to use motorways.
The call came following a motion from Independent Councillor Ollie Clooney at this week’s Borris-In-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District.
Councillor Clooney’s motion asked for Laois County Council to introduce weight restrictions on the Tentore Road, R3657.
Cllr Clooney said that this was ‘essentially a lane’ but now lorries were ‘bypassing the toll’ by coming through Ballacolla.
He said: “There is simply no room for them. There are people living along there who can’t get out of their homes.
“This is not an anti-lorry thing. Without them, there would be nothing on our shelves.
“But we have the same problem in Abbeyleix and Durrow. Towns are choked up.
“Tolls are €7 for them and if you have to come back, that’s another €7. The cost of doing business is so high.
“So we have to look at this and see can we go toll free or give them a toll reduction.”
Seconding the motion, Cllr John King said: “School time is deadly dangerous in all our towns and small villages.”
He agreed that if tolls were reduced for lorries, it would lessen the traffic in towns and villages as well as the wear and tear on roads.
In a second motion, Cllr Clooney asked that Laois County Council replace the road markings and cats eyes on the R445 road at Clonenagh graveyard.
He said: “This is very dangerous at night. The road is bypassed but still widely used.
“There are no road markings and if a lorry comes at you, you don’t know what side of the road you are on.”
Council officials told Cllr Clooney that the works would be considered for 2026.
Finally, Cllr Clooney requested that Laois County Council introduce safety measures on the road at the church in Culloholl.
Road Design confirmed that they would meet Cllr Clooney at the location to investigate.
SEE ALSO – Check out all our latest GAA coverage here
