MLA advises drivers to claim for pothole damage to cars

An SDLP MLA has taken the bold step of advising car-owners to claim remuneration from the Department of Rural Development for damages to their vehicles, that was caused by potholes.
Pothole on Killycolpy Road, ArdboePothole on Killycolpy Road, Ardboe
Pothole on Killycolpy Road, Ardboe

Hitting out at the condition of some roads in Mid Ulster, Cookstown-based Patsy McGlone, said he has also written to Minister Danny Kennedyasking him to tackle the problem.

“It is the Minister’s responsibility to ensure that our rural roads are not allowed to deteriorate to the point at which they become an obstacle to that connection and economic activity,” he said.

But as well as drawing the minister’s attention, to what appears to be an ongoing problem, Mr McGlone said he will also be asking the Executive to “prioritise the roads”.

“I have had a number of complaints from local constituents, concerning substantial and significant potholes on the Killycolpy Road in Ardboe,” he added, “some of these constituents I have advised to make a claim, such is the extent of the damage caused to vehicles.

“The condition of the road surface is particularly bad at present, and it is breaking up in places.

“Our rural roads network is a vital connection between communities and an important driver of the local economy.”

DRD said aims to “make safe” over 90 per cent of the most serious potholes within five working days.

Now marked to be fixed, Patsy McGlone said these potholes have damaged carsNow marked to be fixed, Patsy McGlone said these potholes have damaged cars
Now marked to be fixed, Patsy McGlone said these potholes have damaged cars

Speaking about the issue of potholes, Minister Kennedy said: “As it stands my budget does not provide for sufficient service provision in areas like repair of potholes and traffic lights and other measures such as gully emptying and grass cutting at junctions.”