Public liability claims put €530k pothole in council coffers

Meath Co Council paid out €533,545 in settlement of public liability last year, with many of those claims relating to damage from potholes and poor footpaths.

At last week's meeting of Meath Co Council, Cllr Helen Meyer noted the number of claims seemed to be high in comparison to other councils and asked for a breakdown of those claims with a description of the types and costs of claims for each Municipal District.

She was told that in comparison to other councils “Meath’s settlement cost was the seventh lowest in the country.”

The meeting heard that the number of Public Liability claims finalised in 2023 was 290 and the cost was €533,545 but in order avoid the risk of a breach of GDPR or the breach of a non-disclosure agreement and/or confidentiality, Meath Co Council could not provide a detailed breakdown of the individual claims or settlement amounts.

However the council confirmed that of the 290 cases settled, 270 of these related to potholes, footpaths (slips and trips) and the overall settlement value of these claims was €228,470.

There were 20 other cases settled at a cost of €305,075.

Meanwhile, the meeting heard works on the Ashbourne cycle network were now substantially complete to north of Ballybin junction. Traffic signals at Ballybin were now fully commissioned and final surfacing works are to be completed early October.

Consultant/designers are continuing with the detailed design process for the Navan pedestrian/cycle project linking the Solstice roundabout with the Cantilever Bridge at the R151, while design work is continuing on the Martha’s Bridge to Circular Road, active travel link.

A CCTV drainage survey has been completed on the Poolboy Bridge to Kells Road Roundabout link and a pavement condition survey has commenced, the consultant has prepared drawings to demonstrate compatibility of the current scheme with the planned pedestrian shared foot and cycle bridge over the Blackwater River into Blackwater Park.

Councillors were informed design work is continuing on the cycle scheme linking Convent Road (Athlumney Castle end) with Metges Road via the R153 Kentstown Road. A review of potential impacts on private lands and associated implications is underway.

In relation to Beechmount to Balreask Manor scheme, documents are currently being completed and anticipated to issue to the NTA for approval next month.

In relation to Balreask Manor to Balreask Cross, the draft options selection report is being finalised by the consultant team and is to issue with draft concept design drawings next month.