An MLA for Newry and Armagh has called on the Infrastructure Minister to reassure motorists that responsibility for identifying and repairing potholes lies firmly with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) – and not with frustrated members of the public.
DUP MLA Gareth Wilson raised the issue in the Assembly after reports emerged of a community group in the southern part of the Newry and Armagh constituency organising to identify potholes themselves, in what he described as effectively “doing the work of the Department”.
Addressing Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, Mr Wilson said the situation highlighted growing frustration among road users, many of whom feel compelled to step in due to the poor condition of local roads.
“Members of the public are feeling as though they themselves should take on this role, when we do have at our disposal DfI assessors for that particular purpose,” he said.
Mr Wilson added that while he could “easily fit into the mode of doing the same” in the northern half of the constituency, the issue raised a serious point about public confidence.
“Is there any assurance you can give drivers and road users in Newry and Armagh that this is not an essential duty that members of the public should be taking on, but rather one that DfI should be exercising in full – and then moving quickly to repair the potholes they, as a department, have identified?”
In response, Minister Kimmins acknowledged the scale of the problem, saying she was acutely aware of the condition of roads across the constituency – and beyond.
“I live in South Armagh myself and I represent the constituency,” she said. “I’m very aware of the significant challenges in terms of our roads and the condition of our roads. The recent cold snap has led to further deterioration, and I think we’re all seeing potholes popping up everywhere.”
While the Minister noted that she personally reports potholes when she sees them, she stressed that it is not the responsibility of local groups or residents to take on that role.
“It absolutely isn’t the responsibility of a local group to do this,” she said, pointing to the existing mechanism for reporting road defects through the NI Direct website, which she described as “very straightforward”.
Ms Kimmins said DfI teams are acting as quickly as possible, but acknowledged that limited funding and resources mean repairs must be prioritised under the Department’s current service policy.
She also highlighted additional investment aimed at addressing the issue, particularly in rural areas.
“I have invested an additional £4 million in this financial year, particularly on rural roads,” she said. “I hope that reassures the public of my commitment and determination to tackle these issues going forward.”
The exchange comes amid increasing concern from motorists across County Armagh about road safety, vehicle damage and delays caused by the growing number of potholes following recent spells of severe weather.
