In the seventies and eighties local newspapers used to frequently publish photos of local councillors pointing into huge potholes. Pothole pioneers we used to call them.
In recent years our local roads have deteriorated almost to the state they were in back then. Not only are they the cause of much damage to motor cars they are very uncomfortable, dangerous and even lethal for cyclists to negotiate.
Instead of pointing at them though, the Irish Public Bodies Insurance (IPB), the Local Authority insurance body, has launched a new App which members of the public can use to report the presence of potholes and also make claims for any damages arising.
Welcoming the initiative the IPB nominee on the Council, Cllr Michelle Hall, said it will streamline the whole claims process and should inform councils on where to fill potholes urgently.
“Unfortunately, with the wet weather and Level 5 restrictions on road maintenance, there have been more potholes forming this year and I’ve had many constituents contact me about tyre and chassis damage to their cars. The one thing we don’t want though is a serious or fatal accident to occur due to road defects.”
The steps for making a claim are:
- A person making a claim for damage due to a pothole in County Louth can be put in contact with IPB through Louth County Council or by ringing one of three IPB claim handlers on 01-6396645.
- The claimant will receive a text with a link to the App or they can post a paper claim form, if needed.
- On the app, you can upload photos of the location and any vehicle damage,
- IPB will then process the claim and assess for liability.
- A Notification email will be sent to Louth County Council within an hour of the claimant entering the GPS location on the app.
Cllr Hall has also praised IPB for their action against fraudulent claims which has seen a savings of €5.3 million for its members.
“IPB have established a team of anti-fraud experts including a former Garda Superintendent with experience in some of the largest criminal investigations and prosecutions in the State.
“This has been crucial in keeping costs down for members such as Louth County Council. However, IPB state that where liability does lie with the Local Authority, they will ensure an injured party is fairly and justly treated if they have been injured due to any act of negligence.”
