Mayo motorists to be compensated for damage caused by 'incompetent' broadband contractors

Motorists whose cars were damaged when 'incompetent' contractors left a Mayo road in a terrible state will be compensated according to a senior council official.

Contractors working for National Broadband Ireland were heavily criticised by an Achill-based councillor and Mayo council officials after they failed to properly reinstate parts of the main Achill road after digging it up to lay services.

The work which was carried out last week took place at two locations close to the Ballycroy cross outside Mulranny. The road was not properly reinstated which resulted in large potholes appearing across the R319 in both locations.

A number of unsuspecting motorists who drove at speed through the cuts in the road were left with punctures and damage to their tyres.

The matter was raised at yesterday's monthly meeting of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District by Achill-based councillor Paul McNamara who demanded to know who was responsible for the work and who will pay for the damage to people's cars.

“It has caused major damage to vehicles and I want to know did Mayo County Council open the road or was it a contractor who opened the road. It was an absolute disgrace that the R319 was left in that state.

“I have had several people onto me since Friday evening and Saturday where they drove into it at 80km per hour and bang... punctures and rims gone on the cars. That happened to six or seven people I know of until the word got out to please stop at these cuts at the road. I think it is absolutely appalling that the road was left in that state,” the Fianna Fail councillor said.

Cllr McNamara said that a number of the drivers were left stranded on the side of the road because there was no garage open due to Storm Éowyn. He added that some have told him they will be invoicing Mayo County Council with the bill for the damage.

Seamus Ó Mongáin, Head of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District explained that a contractor working for National Broadband Ireland carried out the works on the road and were responsible for reinstating it back to its original condition. He added that the work has yet to be satisfactorily completed to allow Mayo County Council to take the road back in charge and any claim by affected motorists has to be made with the contractor.

Cllr McNamara replied that what happened was ridiculous and called on Mayo County Council to take action on ‘incompetent’ contractors.

“Someone needs to start policing the work down to roads in these rural areas by these broadband companies. What was allowed to happen is ridiculous. It would not happen on a national road but because it was a regional road it was alright,” Cllr McNamara claimed.

Martin O'Grady, Senior Engineer with Mayo County Council told Cllr McNamara that what happened was not acceptable and will be followed up on. He also said he will take responsibility to ensure that motorists are compensated for any damage caused.

“If you get me the contact details send them to me. I will send them onto the company and I will deal with it and make sure they will [be compensated]. This is unacceptable...this has not happened before and will not happen again. It should not have happened,” he said.