Pothole in Enniscorthy May Need Army to Fill After Crews Face ‘Violence’

Wexford County Council may require to enlist the assistance of the Irish Defence Forces to repair a severely damaged section of Esmonde Road in Enniscorthy, following threats and intimidation against road workers attempting to carry out repairs.

The road surface, described by local councillors as “a metre long and a metre wide,” has deteriorated significantly since being damaged by flooding seven or eight weeks ago during Storm Chandra, according to discussions at the March meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD). Repair efforts have been repeatedly halted due to safety concerns for the crews.

Neil Dempsey, a senior engineer with Wexford County Council, told the EMD meeting that workers had been subjected to “aggression, bordering on violence,” forcing their withdrawal from the site. “We had to remove them due to health and safety concerns,” Dempsey said. “It remains on our list.”

The situation prompted Councillor Pat Kehoe to suggest calling in external support to ensure the repairs are completed. “It needs to be expedited even if it’s the first pothole in Ireland that needs security to get it filled,” Kehoe stated. “People can’t allow anyone to stop our crews from doing their operate. Whether it needs the army or the civil defence to come down and support us, we will get them, fill the pothole and that’ll be the end of it.”

Storm Chandra brought widespread flooding to the east and southeast of Ireland in late January, impacting counties Wexford, Dublin, and Wicklow. The river Slaney in Wexford burst its banks, causing damage to homes and infrastructure. An emergency payment scheme was activated for residents in Wexford and Wicklow impacted by the storm, providing financial assistance based on the severity of damage.

Wexford County Council has estimated the cost of repairing storm-related damage to local and regional roads at €20 million, the highest figure reported among affected areas. Over 300 roads nationally were damaged, with 50 requiring immediate attention.

Cathaoirleach Barbara Anne Murphy attempted to inject levity into the discussion, suggesting the pothole could be used to facilitate visits from a delegation from Blacktown City Council, referencing recent St. Patrick’s Day parade invitations. Councillor Jackser Owens noted the pothole was now being used for fishing, highlighting the extent of the damage.

The Council is currently investigating the incidents of intimidation and considering potential legal action, but no timeline for the resumption of repairs has been announced.