Over 30 cars were damaged by pothole caused by Irish Water works in Ballisodare, council meeting told

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The extent of the damage caused to vehicles as a result of a significant pothole on Ballisodare’s Main Street in December which arose after Uisce Eireann work to repair a leak was highlighted at January’s meeting of Sligo County Council.

Cllr Thomas Walsh’s motion called for clarity with regard how long a road can be left in a state of disrepair after works have been carried out by a utility company.

Cllr Walsh revealed the full impact saying, “About 35 cars were damaged in Ballisodare. It is unacceptable for the road to be left in that condition. A nurse going to work in the hospital had two punctures.”

Cllr Walsh added, “We all want investment in Irish Water but we want the road left back the way it was. Somebody could have been badly hurt.”

Referring to the cost associated with the pothole Cllr Walsh said the cost of repairing the damage to the vehicles was considerably more than it would have been to repair the road to its original state.

"They are probably paying 20 times the amount because of pay outs and ultimately it is the tax payer who pays.”

Cllr Walsh reserved a word of praise for Sligo County Council’s road staff saying, “Fair play to Shane Cavanagh for coming out and doing Uisce Eireann’s work.”

Cllr Thomas Healy also expressed his anger at the situation saying he was first contacted at 6.40am on the morning in question.

Cllr Healy added, “I would like to thank the engineer and road staff who ensured more cars weren’t damaged. If Sligo County Council are giving a licence to Irish Water, there needs to be an inspection on the work carried out.”

Cllr Marie Casserly also voiced her frustration at the situation saying, “I don’t think I ever received so many early calls and texts. I don’t know if this happened because the work was sub-contracted out. It wasn’t the first time but I certainly hope it’s the last. It is a very dangerous junction, nobody should have to deal with that.”

Cllr Barry Gallagher raised his concerns in relation to the matter when he said, “I sent questions to Irish Water, I never received a reply. It’s an issue they are having, it is not a Sligo County Council issue. I got no reply back, it’s not good enough.

"You hear about pay outs, that’s madness. It’s tax payers money.”

Cllr Donal Gilroy added, “They do have road opening licences but there are conditions and we have to enforce those conditions.”

Director of Services Jim Molloy stressed, “The obligation is on the utility to do the repair and do it to an appropriate standard.

Article funded by the local Democracy Reporting Scheme.