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Latest Laois News: Upgrade to Portlaoise’s Abbeyleix Road to start in coming weeks
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Latest Laois News: Upgrade to Portlaoise’s Abbeyleix Road to start in coming weeks

N77 Abbeyleix Road (Portlaoise) Rehabilitation & Enhancement Scheme contract signed

Laois County Council is pleased to announce the signing of the contract for the N77 Abbeyleix Road (Portlaoise) Rehabilitation and Enhancement Scheme. 

Following public procurement processes, the contractor appointed to complete the works is Arkil Ltd. Works are set to commence in the coming weeks. A more detailed programme will be published prior to the commencement of works.

The Scheme is 2km in length, from the M7 (J17) Interchange to the roundabout at JFL Avenue.

Speaking at the contract signing, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Thomasina Connell outlined that ‘the investment of approximately €4million towards the upgrade of the N77 Abbeyleix Road is very welcome. I urge that the works commence as soon as possible and, that the inconvenience the works will give rise to, will be effectively managed by Laois County Council and Arkil Ltd (in conjunction with Killeen Civil Engineering). This route is a key access/egress route for Portlaoise. I also request that the works undertaken compliment and support the ongoing efforts of Portlaoise Tidy Towns and local Resident’s Associations’.

N77 Abbeyleix Road (Portlaoise) Rehabilitation and Enhancement Scheme – Contract signing at County Hall on Friday last. Pictured were, Seated: Clr Barry Walsh ( Cathaoirleach , Portlaoise Municipal District ), Clr. Thomasina Connell ( Cathaoirleach ,Laois County Council ), Seamus Mannion ( Arkil Ltd. Contractor), Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr. Catherine Fitzgerald and Clr Willie Aird. Back: Barry Leonard ( Laois Co. Council )Jim Mannion ( Arkil Ltd.), Simon Walton ( Director of Transportation Services for Laois County Council ), John Killeen (Killeen Civil Engineering), Conor Delaney ( Laois Co Council ) and Paul Mc Loughlin (Sen. Engineer Roads-Laois Co Co.) .
Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.

Simon Walton, Director of Transportation Services for Laois County Council noted that ‘the existing road pavement is in clear need of rehabilitation and that is a key part of this Scheme. Also, the existing road layout contributes to this stretch of road being categorised as a High Collision-Risk Location. The Scheme will address that, provide for a reduced-speed environment, provide for additional designated pedestrian crossing points, provide for pedestrian and cyclist measures over the full length of the Scheme in addition to enhanced public lighting and landscaping.’ 

Speaking on behalf of Arkil Ltd, Mr. Seamus Mannion stated that ‘Arkil Ltd., in conjunction with Killeen Civil Engineering, is delighted to have been awarded this contract and we look forward to completing the works in a manner that will benefit the N77 National Route and the broader local community.’