'We shouldn’t have to wait for a fatality' - Safety fears at Laois school

Long-awaited safety works in Arles could be on the way

Published 18th Sep 2026, 17:30 GMT Arles National School. Long-awaited safety works in Arles could be on the way A pedestrian crossing and other traffic calming measures may soon be installed at a school and GAA grounds in a Laois village.

The campaign for a pedestrian crossing, speed ramps and other traffic calming measures in Arles has been ongoing for over 7 years.

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Cllr Aisling Moran pushed Laois County Council to once again get in contact with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the much needed road safety works at Arles National School and the local GAA Club.

TII are responsible for the works as they relate to the N80.

The Road Design section of Laois County Council are currently preparing a Feasibility & Options Report for the village. A draft report was sent to TII Safety to assess.

The Council said that the report back from TII noted additional works were required including a full topographical survey of the area. Preliminary design drawings and costings are currently being prepared for the various options proposed.

Speaking at the September meeting of the Graiguecullen / Portarlington MD, Cllr Moran said: “This has been going on for 7 years. The footpaths aren’t even wide enough. It’s not safe.”

Housing estate under Laois County Council control described as ‘not safe’ She pointed out that cars are only supposed to be travelling 60km/h on that stretch of road but in reality they are driving much faster. Cllr Moran said cars are driving very fast around the bend from the Ballickmoyler side and are immediately upon the primary school.

“There’s a few elderly people in that village and one lady fell while crossing the road. She was very lucky she wasn’t killed. It’s a fast road,” the Independent Councillor told the Council.

Cllr Ben Brennan supported the motion and added that he could not understand how a housing estate could have been built across from the school and a pedestrian crossing not be installed.

Adding to this, Cllr Brennan noted that the footpaths are less than 3 ft wide and very dangerous for children walking there.

“Eventually, there will be someone seriously injured on that road. We shouldn’t have to wait for a fatality,” he said.