Road damage compo doubles

SDLP Cllr Declan McAlinden who is complaining about the lack of funding for potholes in rural areas such as Derrytrasna

The Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council area has the highest number of potholes in the whole of Northern Ireland.

Last year, 2014-15, a total of £9,664 was dished out in compensation while this year so far 2015-16 it soared to £20,900.

“These are projected figure which could be subject to change, said a spokespersom for the Department of Infrastructure (DfI)

“The figures detail the amount of compensation paid by the Department for Regional Development for all types of vehicle damage claims in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area during the last two financial years.

The council reported 18,173 defects to the roads in this area.

Meanwhile SDLP Cllr Declan McAlinden welcomed the Executive announcement that £10m will be spent on rural roads. “Over my time as a councillor the majority of my issues have been dealing with is our rural roads and footpaths. Many of them are in a bad state and although TNI do their best with limited budgets I feel as a rural dweller along with my neighbours that we get the ‘leftovers ‘ and that ‘out of sight out of mind ‘ comes to fore.

“This is totally unacceptable and we all pay the same amount of taxes and rates and indeed as rural dwellers we probably pay more and get less back. I will be pressing TNI for more work in the Derrymacash/Derrytrasna areas on top of what I have been working on,” he added.