Potholed roads may deter island visitors

THE promotion of walking activities on a west coast island is being put at risk because of the potholed condition of its roads, writes Tom Gillespie.

So concerned are the 62 residents of Inishturk in Clew Bay that they consider the roads a ‘health and safety’ issue.

Despite assurances from Mayo County Council last December that a repair crew would be sent to fill in the potholes, no action has been taken seven months on.

The island’s community development coordinator, Corena Ward, said: "We recently held our first walking weekend but the state of the roads are a health and safety risk. We are coming to the height of the tourist season here but the dozens of potholes on the two-kilometre road network have made them extremely dangerous.

"We get a lot of older people coming here to enjoy the walks and the sea views but the potholes put them at risk of falling. We have no access to a hospital and if someone falls they have to be airlifted off the island."

Ms. Ward said on December 5 last she was told by the council that they would schedule a crew to travel to the island to undertake the road maintenance, ‘but not this side of Christmas’.

Despite several communications since the roads continue to deteriorate and present an even greater threat when filled with rain water. In the past locals were contracted to undertake road repairs but this is no longer permitted.

Ms. Ward added: "We have been asking the council for the longest time to repair the roads. The situation is extremely dangerous and needs immediate attention."