Pothole repairs on Louth roads creating a 'patchwork quilt' warns councillor

Concerns were raised about the quality of pothole repairs in Louth, with councillors saying finished surfaces are uneven and resemble a patchwork quilt. A councillor welcomed efforts to tackle potholes but argued that current repair methods do not provide a durable result. Calls were made to use the JCB Pro machine, including the Pothole Pro, to improve outcomes. Repairs in Clogherhead were cited as falling below expected standards, and the importance of road presentation in a busy tourist area was emphasized. Road safety concerns were also raised about deep verges on Ballymakenny Road forcing motorists to cross the white line. A senior engineer said a contractor is due to begin works shortly, expected to take place overnight to reduce traffic disruption.

"Cllr. Declan Power told the meeting that while he welcomed the council's continued efforts to tackle potholes, the finished condition of many repairs was falling short. "The workmanship is not great," he said, describing how some repaired sections of road as very uneven. "When you look at them, they resemble a patchwork quilt.""

"Cllr. Power called on the council to use the JCB Pro machine when potholes emerge, arguing that it would provide a more durable finish than some of the current methods being used. He highlighted repairs recently carried out in Clogherhead, which he said were below the standard expected. "This is a busy tourist location where first impressions are very important," he said. "The visual presentation of the road infrastructure matters.""

"Raising wider road safety and maintenance issues, Cllr. Power also referenced markings on the Ballymakenny Road. While acknowledging that road markings were now in place ahead of planned works, he warned that deep verges along the route were creating difficulties for drivers. "The verges are so deep that motorists are being forced to cross the white line," he said."

"Responding to the concerns, Senior Executive Engineer Irene McGahon told councillors that a contractor is due to be on site shortly to carry out works on the Ballymakenny Road. She said the repairs are expected to take place overnight to minimise disruption to traffic. The meeting heard that the Pothole Pro had been in operation in the Drogheda rural area before it was moved to Ardee."

Read at Irish Independent