Write a commentPothole damage on local roads continues to be an issue with several local councillors highlighting the issue.
Councillor Roisin Mulgrew has said that the further deterioration of the road surface in John F Kennedy Park in Cloughreagh is a great cause of concern and has requested a meeting on site with Roads Service Engineers and Officers to view the road surface first hand.
"The state of the roads serving the residents of John F Kennedy Park has been an ongoing issue of concern, however the rapid deterioration in the surface over the past weeks has compounded the problem and is causing grave health and safety worries for motorists and pedestrians. For example Disabled Parking Markings have worn away, potholes are numerous and there are extremely dangerous and crumbling stretches of the road. The situation is totally unacceptable and I have asked to meet with Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads Service Officers on site so that we view at first hand the situation".
Cllr Mulgrew added "The neglect in the maintenance of the road around John F Kennedy Park has been an ongoing issue of concern for quite some time. It is a situation that the residents of the Park should not be expected to endure any further. The health, safety and well being of them and their families Should not be ignored by Roads Service"
Cllr Pete Byrne pointed out that because the Department for Infrastructure are operating a reduced maintenence service, in practice the depth for repairing potholes on roads with a lower traffic flow has doubled to 4 inches! "People are angry and rightly so, it is absolutely ludicrous for the Department of Infrastructure to encourage road users to adjust the way they drive to take into account the poor condition of roads."
Newry City Councillor Charlie Casey also highlighted the state of road surfaces along Catherine & Erskine Streets in Newry.
"These are extremely busy routes, both for motorists and pedestrians. Motorists have been forced to take evasive action due to the state of the roads. Recent remedial work carried out by the Roads Section of the Department of Infrastructure did little to alleviate the problems being encountered on a daily basis by people. Urgent action is required and I have once again contacted our local Roads Service Office requesting this"
