The road from Drogheda to Termonfeckin, the R166, has long been a death trap with many inconsiderate drivers using it as a race track – ask anyone who has cycled it. It’s a road you cycle along once and then avoid it forever!
Another reason for avoiding the R166 in recent months, even for motorists, has been the state of the surface since the road works carried out by Uisce Eireann (UE). You don’t need to be on a bike to notice the potholes!
Termonfeckin based Councillor Michelle Hall, who is a keen cyclist herself, has called for Louth County Council to make the R166 safe for all road users.
“While I welcome the much needed capital works that Uisce Eireann is installing due to ongoing water leaks causing disruption to supply along this route, the road surface has deteriorated to such a state that travelling on this road is dangerous for all” she said.
“A long stretch of this road was due to be resurfaced in the 2023 Road Works Programme but it had to be delayed due to planned UE works. However, with the recent rain, water works and lack of potholes repairs being carried out, the road is in a terrible state and I’m inundated with calls from concerned residents, fearful of damaging their car or an accident occurring.
“Engineers have assured me that road resurfacing will commence as soon as Uisce Eireann have completed their project, and I’ve also requested that Louth County Council examine this whole stretch of road – firstly, to fill in potholes that won’t be covered by resurfacing and secondly to ensure that the current deterioration is taken into the planned resurfacing works.”
Cllr Hall concluded: “I’d like to thank all who travel this road regularly, for their patience while the infrastructural works have been carried out over many months, and to know that I am continuously raising issues about the surface of this road at our monthly council meetings.
“Hopefully, we’ll have no more water leaks and a smooth road surface to travel on within the next few weeks!”
