Rhode to ruin
Fed-up residents fight for action over Offaly potholes
WORRIED villagers fear their local roads are death traps due to dangerous potholes they have branded “craters”.
The Co Offaly residents say the roads in Rhode could “kill someone”.
Campaigner Jenny Whelan contacted the Irish Mirror and issued appeals to her local authority and the Government.
She said: “We as a community in Rhode are tired of fighting to get our roads made safe. We need help before someone is killed.
“I almost crashed due to an oncoming car heading straight for me as they automatically swerved to avoid one of the many craters on the road.
“I managed to pull my steering wheel back in line just at the last minute.
“I literally could have been killed. This is what everyone around here is experiencing and it’s only a matter of time before someone or, God forbid, a family is wiped out.”
Businesswoman Jenny has also lobbied Environment and Transport Minister
Eamon Ryan. She added:
“The community is so fed up of sending reports to Offaly County Council.
“On top of this, our village is going to be getting more projects and construction and lorries introduced to these already lethal roads.
“Our roads cannot tolerate this. Something must be done before someone is killed. The council will probably blame the weather.”
Council officials told the Irish Mirror: “Offaly County Council are aware and fully acknowledge the challenging road conditions at present and are working to progress repairs as expediently as possible.
“Due to very wet weather over the last few weeks, repairs are difficult to carry out and are not achieving the longevity normally associated with these temporary repair methods.”
They added: “In line with the 2024 roads programme, Offaly County Council have identified a number of schemes and more substantial interventions on the road network around Rhode to address some of the issues highlighted.”