Declaring 'war on potholes' in west Waterford

‘Declare war on these potholes’ came the call from the council chamber in west Waterford recently.

According to Cllr Declan Doocey, the region is now in ‘pothole season’ due to the frost and water wreaking havoc with roads across the Dungarvan Lismore District.

Speaking from the council chambers in Dungarvan, Cllr Doocey called upon the executives to ‘declare war’ on potholes across the region.

Supporting the call and continuing the warlike theme, Cllr Thomas Phelan acknowledged that roads crews in the area are fighting an ‘uphill battle’ against such potholes, which are appearing with more and more frequency.

“People often scoff at councillors bringing up the issue of potholes, but they're a serious roads issue and the sooner they’re fixed the better. They’re not just a rural issue either, there are several roads in the town centre that are blighted by them,” Cllr Thomas Phelan said.

The sentiment was also supported by Cllr Conor McGuinness, who enquired as to when a second jetpatcher will be purchased and available in the area.

'CHALLENGING TIMES'

Responding, council engineer, Gabriel Hynes, said that it is ‘ nearly impossible’ to deal with potholes during bad weather, such as that experienced in the wake of Storm Kathleen.

“We have three large patching units working out of the yard. We have a fourth one coming in the next couple of weeks and we have the smaller ones around the districts.

“All I can say to you is and from the public, a bit of patience and once we get a small dry spell of weather we’ll get on top of them again. It's challenging times and we just have to maximise what our resources on the ground deal with,” Mr Hynes said.