Letter plaudits for Council

SIR – For some time, more years than I care to remember, I have been scathingly critical concerning the neglected state of the roads in rural areas. In particular, I have drawn attention to the section of boreen which passes my house.

I once described it as badly drained, frequently pot-holed and better called a cart track than a road. Myself and my neighbours were worried it would become impassable to ordinary vehicles and ‘patching up’ made little difference and only lasted until the next heavy rainfall.

Last year I was assured by Cork County Council that funds had been earmarked for the complete refurbishment of this section of road and work would be carried out in 2015. Naturally there was some alight scepticism; it was not unknown that such assurance do not materialise and projects are shelved due to cutbacks. At the beginning of this year it was rumoured the work was not to go ahead, but I was given the assurance that this was only a rumour.

Sure enough, in early summer, preparation work began. The drainage problems were then dealt with. Gullies were dug out and piped to a main channel. A good foundation was put down followed by a surfacing of tarmac and granite chippings. I was impressed, and although only a layman, I can safely say that the project was completed to a high standard. We now have a good road. 

On behalf of my neighbours, I offer my thanks to the officials of Cork County Council for initiating and overseeing the project. Also to Councillor Joe Carroll for making representations on our behalf and last, but certainly not least, to the men who did the work, for their courtesy and for causing up the very minimum of inconvenience whilst work was in progress. 

For once we have a satisfactory outcome, a job well done, and I must say it makes a very pleasant change to be commending rather than complaining.

Yours faithfully,

John Streeton,

Lisalohorig,

Skibbereen.