Fermanagh and Omagh potholes surge by 90% in the past year

MOTORISTS in the Omagh district are grappling with a staggering 90 per-cent increase in potholes over the past year, making it the region with the highest rise across Northern Ireland.

The alarming figures, totalling 10,000 potholes, come on the back of a report from the local council which highlights a disparity in roads infrastructure here.

The Department for Infrastructure’s investment in the region is reported to be £4,000 per kilometre less than the Northern Ireland average.

This investment disparity has triggered concerns about road safety and the escalating damage to vehicles navigating the deteriorating road conditions.

John Corry, from the Rouskey Community Association, highlighted the increasing neglect of rural areas, with Gortin, Rouskey, and Greencastle particularly affected.

He expressed frustration over the common occurrence of larger and deeper potholes, creating hazards for motorists.

“We seem to have a high level of neglect here and the rural areas are falling further and further behind in terms of the condition of the roads,” he said.

“Potholes might be fixed, but they can re-open very quickly. What we need is proper resurfacing.”

Cathal McGrath, an Omagh resident living near the Brookmount Road, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the adverse impact on vehicles.

“I know taxi drivers who say that they’re regularly having to get repairs to the wheels of their vehicles,” he said.

“The worst thing is that nobody seems to be doing anything to start sorting out the state of our roads.”

The issue ignited an outcry on our WeAreTyrone facebook page, with over 200 people emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive road repairs.

Fermanagh and Omagh councillors are also demanding swift and effective measures to rectify the investment disparity compared to other regions.