Councillor appeals to Roads Service to initiate Inspection of Rural Roads

Councillor Terry Hearty has said that given the recent period of severe weather conditions, Roads Service should urgently initiate an inspection of rural roads.

The south Armagh elected representative explained "After the recent spell of bad weather I am appealing to Road Service to do an inspection of the rural roads many of which are in terrible conditions. These roads are now only inspected on a six month basis which could leave these roads impassable.  There are too many rural roads to list, they all need attention urgently. The best way forward and for accuracy is for Road Service Inspectors to survey each road, do the Reports so urgently needed repairs can commence immediately. This will also mean taking in contractors to try and get some control of this situation".

The Councillor also confirmed that a Work Order for works on the section of road between Crossamglen Chapel and the Car Park had been issued by Department of Infrastructure (DFI) Roads Service section.

"With regards to the section of road between the Chapel and the Crossmaglen, an issue I had previously raised with Roads Service Officers before Christmas, I can now confirm that Work Order was issued for the road and a Road Closure Notice applied for".

The local Councillor concluded by warning that motorists pedestrians and residents using the Concession Road were being placed in grave danger by the condition of the surfaces."The section from Culloville to Ballinacarry Bridge is in a terrible state.  After lobbying from myself, colleague Megan Fearon MLA and the local community it was agreed that road was to be resurfaced.  Road Service has informed me that a contractor had been appointed to resurface from Culloville to the junction of Lough Ross road but at last minute the funding for the maintenance has been withdrawn. Potholes are so bad in parts of it now that vehicles are actually stopping and indicating around the potholes, this is an extremely dangerous road and someone will get killed. The Department must release monies to do these repairs as a matter of urgency"