Only potholes four inches or more will get a look-in as the Department this week reaffirmed its stance despite increasing issues on roads across Co Armagh.
And SDLP Slieve Gullion councillor Pete Byrne said that there is no end in sight for the pothole epidemic in South Armagh.
His repeated calls have fallen on deaf ears and following a meeting with the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Infrastructure this week, nothing has changed.
“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 four inches deep for the time being,” Mr Byrne confirmed.
“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 added: “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 in 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.
“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.”
Main image shows the severity of a pothole in the Aghory Road in Richhill. Sent to us by a reader this weekend.
