The deteriorating condition of roads across Northern Ireland has once again been thrust into the spotlight after a funeral limousine was left with two flat tyres on its way to Roselawn Crematorium.
Mallon Funeral Directors shared details of the incident on social media, describing how their limousine suffered serious damage due to the state of the road surface.
They told Armagh I that the family were “shook up” and that two of the deceased’s brothers had to walk the remainder of the way to the crematorium.
“Well… today’s adventure. Our limousine ended up with two flat tyres thanks to the condition of the roads on the way to Roselawn Crematorium,” their post on social media read.
The company praised Fosters Tyre Services Ltd for their rapid response in getting the vehicle back on the road, but directed strong criticism towards the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and its Minister, Liz Kimmins.
“As for the Department of Infrastructure they need to take a serious look at the current road conditions, because this is becoming a real issue for vehicles and safety. Absolute disgrace,” the post continued.
The funeral directors also questioned why motorists continue to pay road-related taxes amid such poor conditions, tagging Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA. The business later claimed the minister had removed herself from the post.
The incident has resonated widely with motorists and businesses who say damage caused by potholes and crumbling road surfaces has become an almost daily occurrence.
It comes just a day after potholes dominated discussion at a meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, where councillors described the situation as a potential “life and death” issue.
Councillors from across the chamber voiced frustration at the scale of deterioration and the apparent delays in repairs, with many reporting constant contact from residents whose vehicles have been damaged.
Alderman Paul Berry said he had been contacted by multiple constituents whose tyres had been destroyed, warning that some potholes posed a serious danger to cyclists and motorcyclists.
“There’s something seriously wrong,” he said. “The roads have never been as bad.”
UUP councillor Kyle Savage warned it was only a matter of time before someone was seriously injured or worse, while Alderman Mark Baxter described the situation as “out of control”, revealing that four cars had been damaged by a single pothole on the Dromore Road in one evening.
He also highlighted the financial strain being placed on households already under pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, with hundreds of tyres and alloy wheels needing replaced or repaired.
Councillor Keith Ratcliffe echoed those concerns, particularly in rural areas, stating that some roads repaired just weeks ago have already broken up again.
The council has agreed to write to Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to demand urgent action, raise concerns about the DfI reporting portal and seek clarity on how defects are prioritised and repaired.
For businesses like Mallon Funeral Directors, the issue goes beyond inconvenience.
When even funeral processions are being disrupted, many are asking how bad the roads must become before meaningful, long-term investment is made.
