‘No end in sight for pothole epidemic’ – Local Councillor

SDLP Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne has said that there is no end in sight for the pothole epidemic in South Armagh following a meeting with the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Infrastructure recently.

Speaking to Newry Times, Byrne said, “At a recent meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, the SDLP was able to establish that the policy for repairing potholes on rural roads will remain at 4 inches deep for the time being.

“I find this completely unacceptable considering that some of our roads have become impassable. 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,” he insisted.

“While I welcome the recent announcements on a small number of resurfacing works to take place in the Slieve Gullion DEA this month, we should be mindful as public representatives not to pat ourselves on the back.

“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.

“Further to our enquires about investment in our roads, we were informed that grass verges will only be cut the once but this will be reviewed. With regards to street lights, it was possible that the department would have to cut the number and time lights would be on, this is now not the case.

Councillor Byrne added, “I will of course continue to raise and report any pothole issues that are presented to me but I would encourage local people if possible to get online at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/report-pothole to report potholes to help build a true picture of what is happening on our roads.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Mar 27 2018. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry