A councillor has hit out at what he described as “slapdash” repairs to one of the Rathfriland’s main roads, calling for proper resurfacing rather than temporary fixes.
Ulster Unionist Councillor Glenn Barr says the recent patching of Newry Street — a key route through the town — is unacceptable.
“As an Ulster Unionist councillor representing Rathfriland, I have long been pressing the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to address the dangerous and unsightly potholes that have plagued Newry Street,” said Cllr Barr.
“While I welcome the fact that repairs were finally carried out, what has been delivered is simply not good enough. The road now resembles a patchwork quilt — a quick fix, not a proper job.”
The state of Newry Street has been a recurring complaint among residents and businesses, with many describing the surface as hazardous and damaging to vehicles.
Cllr Barr believes the issue goes beyond party politics and is about fairness and basic services.
“Residents and businesses in Rathfriland deserve better than temporary, slapdash work,” he said. “This is one of the main routes through the town, and the state of it reflects poorly not only on the Department but on those charged with overseeing it.
“It is worth noting that Sinn Féin currently hold the Infrastructure portfolio, and they must take responsibility for the declining standards in road maintenance that communities like ours are forced to endure.”
Cllr Barr said the people of Rathfriland are not interested in political blame games — they just want safe, usable roads.
“This issue is not political for the people of Rathfriland — it’s about fairness, safety, and respect,” he added. “We pay our taxes and we expect basic infrastructure to be maintained to a decent standard. Roads like Newry Street should be properly resurfaced, not patched over again and again like an afterthought.”
He concluded by urging all elected representatives to press the Department for Infrastructure for long-term investment and proper resurfacing works.
“I will continue to lobby the Department for proper investment and permanent resurfacing works, and I call on all elected representatives — regardless of party — to do the same,” he said.
