There is no end in sight for the scourge of potholes that are littering roads across south Armagh, SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne has claimed.
Having met with the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Infrastructure recently, Mr Byrne expressed frustration that the department’s policy of repairing potholes on rural roads has not changed, despite the dangerous condition of many.
“The policy for repairing potholes on rural roads will remain at four inches deep for the time being. I find this completely unacceptable considering that some of our roads have become impassable,” he said.
“While we were assured that capital money will be available, routine inspections and maintenance that we have been used to in the past, will not be any greater than it is now. This will only add to the further deterioration of our roads and to the anger of those who pay their tax.”
Welcoming the recent confirmation that a small number of resurfacing works are to be undertaken in the Slieve Gullion District Electoral Area (DEA) this month, the Crossmaglen councillors added: “There is no end in sight for this pothole epidemic, especially when we have a budget coming from Westminster and no accountability on how money is spent or what projects are prioritised in Stormont.”
Councillor Byrne is encouraging people to report the location of potholes online at www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/report-pothole, which will “help build a true picture of what is happening on our roads”.