Warnings that potholed roads pose threat to life

A stark warning that lives could be lost because of the appalling condition of the roads around the Moynalty area has been issued by angry local residents. Claims that some of the roads are in a "life-threatening" condition and that local residents have had to pay thousands of euros in car repairs have been made by Moynalty Community Association. Its members have warned that motorists trying to avoid crater-like potholes along rural roads could cause serious accidents, and they claim delivery lorries and taxis are reluctant to travel on some of the back roads around the village. John O'Brien, chairman of Moynalty and District Community Association, said some of the potholes are very dangerous and deep. "If you come across one of these potholes where you are not expecting it on a bad turn or a busy part of the road, it is very dangerous," he said. He said residents of the area feel that they are being "left on the back burner" as these roads are not gritted in bad weather either. "We seem to have been forgotten about. Residents of the Moynalty area have had to pay thousands of euros on repairs to shocks and suspensions because of these potholes. My own sister's minibus had broken springs from using these roads," he added. A spokesperson for Meath County Council said the annual roads programme for 2012 was due for adoption at the March meeting of the council this week. "However, the repair of potholes is an ongoing activity and badly affected areas are given priority when identified," the spokesperson said.