'They are so deep you could take a bath in them' - concern over potholes on Limerick roads

POTHOLES are causing concern across Limerick, with councillors highlighting the ongoing issue on key local and regional routes.

The issue was raised at the February meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, where councillors discussed the state of the roads and called for a closer look at repairs.

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Independent councillor Jerome Scanlan proposed a motion that “an audit of the arterial roads within Newcastle West town be carried out.”

In doing so, he highlighted issues along the N21, the main route linking Limerick city with Kerry and running through the municipal district claiming there are “major problems”.

He added that the problems are not confined to the N21, pointing to ongoing issues “on all main arterial roads which pass through the town”.

These, he said, include the R521 to Foynes, the R522 to Charleville and the R520 to Kilmallock.

Ben Noonan, senior executive engineer for the district, said crews will need to prioritise repair works based on a rating system.

Mr Noonan said the district has a full-time patcher which has been deployed at multiple locations in recent weeks.

Fine Gael councillor John Sheahan suggested roads crews are in “reactive mode” where “if we get a call, we fill the pothole”.

He went on to ask if the local authority could be more proactive. In reply Mr Noonan said: “Efficiency is number one in what we do” and that the approach is “limited but efficient”.

He outlined how the patcher’s work load is “planned based on a schedule of previously inspected roads.”

Cllr Michael Collins, cathaoirleach, said the “road network (in the district) is huge.”

Later, during a separate council discussion he said potholes in some areas are “so deep you could take a bath in them.”

Mr Noonan explained the main arterial roads in Newcastle West town are currently classified as “local roads” but due to the volumes of traffic a “higher spec finish” is required when they are being repaired, which costs more money.

This, he added, “affects the other roads in the district” as they take up more of the budget.

In a written reply, he confirmed the roads department “will carry out a review and survey the roads within Newcastle West town.”