'We feel forgotten’: Galbally residents left frustrated as dangerous roads go unrepaired

A GALBALLY woman who uses a wheelchair says the dangerous condition of local rural roads has severely restricted her independence, leaving her reliant on others to safely get outdoors.

The resident is among a number of people who have voiced their frustration over the failure to repair damaged roads in the area, despite repeated reports to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

Residents have raised concerns about the condition of Upper Cranlome Road, Esker Hill Road and part of Altaglushan Road, with some claiming the deteriorating surfaces pose a danger to motorists, pedestrians and wheelchair users.

Vincent Rafferty, who lives on Upper Cranlome Road, said he has spent more than two years seeking repairs, but no work has been carried out.

“I made a report to the roads service in Moygashel about the condition of the Upper Cranlome Road, the Esker Hill Road and part of the Altaglushan Road,” he said.

Mr Rafferty has also written to the DfI’s Roads Southern Division, receiving an acknowledgement but no further response.

He said the condition of the roads was causing damage to vehicles and creating potentially dangerous situations for those unfamiliar with the area.

“It is impacting a lot of motorists around here as they are having the sumps of their cars damaged, suspensions damaged and, God forbid, anyone who's not familiar with the road could result in fatality.”

Catriona McGahan, who has lived on Esker Hill Road for more than 10 years, said the condition of the road has significantly restricted her independence since an accident in France last year left her using a wheelchair.

“I would have been a very active person before my accident, I loved sports, running and walking. Now, when I want to go for a walk around the roads it’s treacherous.”

“The dips in the road could very easily unbalance my chair and I always need someone with me if I am going to go out for a walk.

“I want my independence but I can't have it because of the condition of the roads, I am completely restricted without someone coming along with me.”

Mrs McGahan said having to rely on others to accompany her outside has also affected her enjoyment of going for walks, particularly as the evenings become darker.

“I hate depending on people and waiting until someone is available to join me takes away the pleasure of going out.

“With the evenings getting darker, there is limited daylight before someone comes home and is able to come with me.”

She added that the road conditions would also have presented difficulties when she was able to take a more active role on the family farm.

“Before my accident I would have helped on the farm and I would see myself making trips to Gortavoy for meals and fearing that the dips in the road would make the bag fall off the trailer.

“The roads are dangerous and nobody will fix the problem even when we are paying the taxes.”

Mrs McGahan believes rural residents need to continue raising their concerns to ensure their voices are heard.

“If we don't shout about it, nothing happens. We are living in a culture where you're not being listened to and it feels like our rural communities are being forgotten about.”

Meanwhile, Mr Rafferty said he has taken matters into his own hands while waiting for repairs, using stones to temporarily fill some damaged sections in an effort to reduce the impact of potholes on passing vehicles.

“So far, I have come up against a brick wall, and so have the residents of this area. We feel aggrieved that we have to pay our taxes while our health and safety is being ignored.”

Councillor Kevin McElvogue has also been advocating for repairs to the roads for several years, but said he had received no response from the department.

“The condition of the road is scandalous and the issue has been ongoing for a couple of years. I’m concerned for the residents and people who are travelling on the road and it needs to be fixed for their sake.

“I have received no response from the roads service on the issue but I hope to see it resolved as soon as possible.

The Department for Infrastructure were approached for comment and advised on reporting the road issues again through their online form.