Galbraith Says Downpatrick cannot be left behind on road maintenance
On 29th December 2025, Down News posted up a link 2025 following my reporting road issues to Cllr Connor Galbraith. They are of a serious nature with several main roads around the Downpatrick area with long-term hazzards unaddressed by the Roads Service (DfI).
I have subsequently contacted Roads Service and I am awaiting a response from the DfI press office which I will post up once it arrives!
In the meantime, Cllr Conor Galbraith has also called for action from the Roads Service to attend to the hazzards identified on the Ardglass Road, the Saul Road, the Flying Horse Road, on the Ballynahinch Road at Teconnaught and address the lighting issue for pedestrians on the Quoile Bridge.
Possibly these repairs are in the pipeline to be actioned, but Cllr Galbraith is quite annoyed at the lack of attention by the Roads Service after two months.
I cover the roads around Down quite a bit but it is in Downpatrick that I see the greatest need for urgent improvements before a serious accident or fatality occurs. And yes, pot holes are everywhere, but when key signs are missing or damaged, that is another serious matter.
Road islands to separate the traffic sit about 6-inches off the road and if hit at speed could cause injury or vehicle damage. I missed one of these one stormy night driving on a detour on the Flying Horse Road. It was hardly visible.
Galbraith Concerned At Two Month Delay In Addressing Important Road Safety Issues
SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith has called for urgent action to address deteriorating road conditions across Downpatrick, amid ongoing concerns about the standard of reinstatement works carried out by utility companies.
Councillor Galbraith said residents are increasingly frustrated at roads being dug up and left in a condition that quickly deteriorates into potholes, uneven surfaces and crumbling edges.
SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith said: “Downpatrick deserves safe, properly maintained roads, not patchwork repairs that fail within weeks.
“Across our town, roads are being opened up and reinstated to a standard that simply does not last. The result is damaged vehicles, burst tyres and real safety risks for cyclists and pedestrians. This also results in compensation claims that impact the public purse.
“There must be stronger oversight of utility works and greater accountability where reinstatements fall below an acceptable standard. I have asked the Minister to provide assurances that Downpatrick will receive the attention it deserves and that robust processes are in place to ensure repairs are carried out properly and to a lasting standard.
“Our community should not have to live with substandard road surfaces. We deserve better and I will continue to press for meaningful action.”
