Motorist raises safety concerns over potholes on Broughderg Road

AN Omagh man has raised serious safety concerns over worsening potholes on the Broughderg Road outside Greencastle, with motorists warning that the damage now stretches across the width of the road and poses a significant risk to road users.

Billy Scanlon said he narrowly avoided serious damage after being warned about the potholes by a passenger in his car.

“I had a lady in the car with me who warned me about the potholes before I came across them, so I slowed down. Other than that, I don’t know what could have happened,” he said. “If they were full of water, you would have no idea how deep they are. If a motorcyclist came along at night, or met another car, it could potentially lead to a lot of damage or a very bad injury.”

Billy said the situation has deteriorated significantly since he first noticed the defects in mid-December.

“When I first came across the potholes, they weren’t as bad as they are now. They have got so big they are covering the whole road,” he said.

After taking photographs of the damage, Billy reported the issue through the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) website, only to discover that the pothole had already been logged on December 22.

“So it has been reported and sitting there for over a month. For something that could cause so much injury or damage, it should have been sorted. I’m very surprised that nobody has been out to look at it yet,” he added.

According to Billy, the potholes are unavoidable for drivers.

“When you are driving on the road, you can’t avoid that pothole without going into others. It’s right across the road,” he said.

He also highlighted a dip further along the road in the direction of Draperstown, noting that it is particularly dangerous given the 50mph speed limit.

“If someone isn’t aware of it and is doing 50 miles an hour, they’re going to hit that bump and do serious damage to their car,” he said.

Temporary cones have been placed on either side of the affected section, which Billy believes may have prevented more serious incidents.

“Had the cones not have been there, or if the potholes were filled with water, I don’t know what could have happened,” he said, adding that the road is regularly used by members of the community attending a nearby chapel.

“Anything happening on that road affects the community,” he said.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said adverse weather conditions had delayed inspections.

“The recent ice and snow conditions had an impact on our ability to undertake our routine assessments of the road network. We are aware of the reports of road defects on the Broughderg Road, and our local engineers will investigate these as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.

Sinn Féin Councillor Pádraigín Kelly said she has been contacted by numerous residents and described the lack of repairs as “totally unacceptable”.

“With concerns relating to the Broughderg Road, unfortunately we are not getting anywhere,” she said. “A lot of residents in the area have been in touch with me. It is totally unacceptable that no repairs have been carried out. A lot of cars and tyres have been damaged.”

Cllr Kelly said she has received between 12 and 15 reports from residents and road users, including people travelling to Mass.

“This has been going on since at least September or October. With how big the potholes have become, you can’t avoid them anymore,” she said.

“I am in full support of the residents and users of the road, and we will continue to do everything that we possibly can.”

Mid Tyrone DUP Councillor Shirley Hawkes has criticised Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, accusing her of failing to prioritise essential road maintenance.

"Our rural roads network has fallen into a deplorable state of disrepair due to the ongoing neglect of the Department for Infrastructure," she said, "In some rural areas, not only in Mid Tyrone, but across the Council area some of our rural roads are becoming extremely dangerous for road users. Roads have numerous potholes, cracks and uneven surfaces and are a growing concern for the motorist.

"Numerous vehicles are being reported damaged as a result and the ongoing maintenance neglect is causing huge damage to the very fabric of the rural networks. I receive calls on an almost daily basis from constituents in relation to potholes and uneven surfaces, yet it appears when reported there is little action being taken to have appropriate repairs carried out.

"This failing can only lie at the door of the Infrastructure Minster who is more focused on Irish Language Signs which the majority of people do not want rather than directing the money towards the repair of our rural roads.

"While I understand finances are tight, I call on the Sinn Fein Minister to get her priorities right and direct the finances to the Maintenance and upgrade of our rural roads," Cllr Hawkes concluded.