New patcher machine will prove 'very effective' at tackling potholes in Offaly

Local councillor Neil Feighery has welcomed confirmation that Offaly County Council has commenced the process to purchase a new Velocity Patcher to add to its fleet.

“Last year the council received the first two Velocity Patcher units and they have proven very effective for repairing potholes and maintaining our county’s extensive road network. The machined finish delivers a more durable repair and I understand that it is much more efficient in terms of labour and materials.

“The weather that we have experienced in the last 12 months has taken its toll on the county’s road network with recent data showing that we received approximately 20% more rainfall than the previous year. I along with other colleagues have been inundated with calls from constituents reporting potholes and damaged road surfaces. As a result the council is battling to maintain the road network and that is why for some time, I have been calling on the council to secure a new patching unit. Since last year one of the units has been based permanently in the Birr Municipal District but the Tullamore and Edenderry Municipal Districts have had to share the other new unit between them.

“I believe it is crucial that this vital tool for road maintenance is accessible to each district throughout the year and I was delighted at the February meeting of the Tullamore Municipal District, that the Director of Services for Roads, Tom Shanahan confirmed to me that he has commenced the process to purchase a new unit.

“I look forward to seeing the delivery of this new patching unit which will assist the council’s engineers greatly with maintaining the network.”