WATCH: 'The noise was unreal' - Carlow residents fume over 1am roadworks

Carlow residents were fuming last night after lengthy, and incredibly noisy, roadworks took place late at night.

The works on Centaur Street, which ran from late Tuesday evening into the small hours of Wednesday morning, involved heavy machinery that cause significant disruption to people trying to sleep in the area.

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Several locals described the noise as "unreal" and "unbearable", with many saying it kept them awake. Parents in particular said it woke some of their sleeping children leaving them "stressed and exhausted".

When contacted, Carlow County Council confirmed the roadworks were undertaken by Virgin Media entegro to repair a blockage in a duct, for which they obtained a road opening licence from Carlow County Council.

The council added that all works were finished by 12.15am last night, although residents claimed it was ongoing until at least 1am.

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The also confirmed there will be works on site again this evening (Wednesday), but they intend to have all works completed by 9pm, which will "finish the job", but did not provide a clear explanation as to why the roadworks were carried out during these late hours.

Residents have pointed out that although the works may have been important, prior notice should have been given as "works shouldn't come at the expense resident's sleep and wellbeing.