A Cusher councillor says he is being “inundated” with complaints over what he describes as the “disgraceful” and dangerous state of roads in and around Richhill and the wider area.
TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe says residents from Richhill village, Sleepy Valley and the approach roads in and out of the village – as well as Tandragee, Laurelvale, Markethill, Hamiltonsbawn and surrounding rural communities – are reporting worsening potholes, crumbling surfaces and repeated “patchwork” repairs.
He branded the situation “completely unacceptable”, insisting that safe, roadworthy infrastructure is “a basic expectation for every resident”.
“The condition of our roads is nothing short of disgraceful. Potholes, failed surfaces and repeated patchwork repairs are leaving communities frustrated and, more importantly, at risk,” he said.
Cllr Ratcliffe stressed that the problem does not lie with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, but with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and its Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA.
“This is not a council issue. Responsibility lies squarely with the Department for Infrastructure and the Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA. For too long there has been a lack of leadership, planning and delivery from the Department,” he said.
He accused DfI of systemic failures in how maintenance is planned and delivered, claiming that funding is not being properly used while roads continue to deteriorate.
“We are seeing millions of pounds allocated for infrastructure going unused and being handed back, while roads marked for repair are left for months without action—only to be remarked again later.
“When repairs are finally carried out, they are often of such poor quality that they fail within months. That is a complete waste of public money.”
Cllr Ratcliffe also raised concerns about staffing, resourcing and coordination within the Department.
“There are capable contractors available, but there is clearly a failure in coordination and prioritisation. Quite simply, too many roads have been allowed to deteriorate due to a lack of proper maintenance over many years.”
He has called for urgent reform within DfI and “decisive action” from the Minister.
“What is needed now is structure, accountability and decisive action from the Minister. Communities cannot continue to be neglected while excuses are made and problems worsen.”
With the summer months approaching, Cllr Ratcliffe warned that the consequences of poor road conditions are “not just inconvenient, but dangerous”, particularly for vulnerable road users.
“With summer approaching, I have serious concerns for the safety of cyclists and motorcyclists using these roads. Poor road conditions are a direct risk to life.”
He pointed to a recent incident at a band parade in Markethill as an example of the risks posed by defective surfaces.
“Just this past weekend at a band parade in Markethill, a member of the Dervock band fell while parading and broke his ankle. That highlights the very real health and safety risks people are facing on a daily basis.”
Cllr Ratcliffe said he would continue to press DfI and the Minister until there is a clear and sustained improvement in road conditions across the area.
“I share the frustration of my constituents, and I will continue to press the Minister and her Department until we see real, sustained improvements. People deserve better than this.”
