WORST ROADS IN BALLYBAY/CLONES MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WILL TAKE AN ESTIMATED €22MILLION TO FIX, ENGINEER REPORTS

By Veronica Corr

It will cost an estimated €22million to reinstate roads that are rated from 1-4 on the Pavement Surface Condition Index (PSCI), which Local Authorities use to evaluate the condition of the non-national road network. The PSCI comprises a 10-point rating system, with ratings of 1 to 4 indicating the requirement for structural overlay. The startling statistic was revealed to councillors in attendance of Ballybay/Clones Municipal District (MD) on Monday morning. The meeting took place in the function room of the Youthreach Centre on Birch Court, Ballybay, which will act as the temporary seat of democracy in the town, until the recently-acquired Market House is renovated. Mr. Brian Courtney, Assistant Engineer for the Ballybay/ Clones area delivered an excellent presentation on the PSCI Ratings for Roads rated 1-4 in Ballybay/Clones Municipal District.

While the engineer was complimented on having compiled an easy-to-follow PowerPoint presentation, the contents left everyone present with food for thought. The engineer explained that there are approximately 2,500km of road in County Monaghan. Ballybay/Clones Municipal District, is the largest of three local electoral areas within that and contains 1,100km of road, 43% of the roads in the county. It was revealed that 143km of Regional and Local Roads within Ballybay/Clones MD had a PSCI rating of 1 to 4, indicating that these roads have structural distress and require full construction.

Mr. Courtney’s carefully constructed report, contained the most up-to-date information available, i.e. ratings based on most recent surveys: Regional Roads Survey 2023 and the Local Roads Survey 2022. Regional roads are surveyed annually, whereas local roads are surveyed at least every five years, the meeting heard. The engineer also noted that further deterioration had likely occurred since these surveys had taken place. The eye-watering estimate of €22million was reached by using the following formula: (143 km roads) 511286 m2 x €43 / m2 = €21,985,298.

Only €14,702 shy of €22million. Calculations included preparatory work estimates and drainage costs based on 2023 Roads Improvement Programme. The rate of €43 per metre-squared includes preparation work, drainage and new surface course. The price was reached using Bitmac rates are…