Council hit with 1,667 claims since 2021 from drivers whose cars were damaged on roads.

CORK County Council has paid out almost €375,000 to motorists whose cars were damaged after hitting potholes, with 1,667 claims lodged over five years.

Figures released by the local authority show €373,324 worth of payouts from 2021 to 2025 – averaging at €224 per claimant.

Last year alone the local authority’s insurers, Irish Public Bodies, paid out €63,304 for 345 claims, while in 2023 the number of claims was significantly higher at 515 with €121,356 paid out to motorists whose vehicles were damaged as a result of potholed roads.

The total number of claims for 2024 stood at 360 with €103,458 paid out, while that figure was lower for 2025.

Labour Cllr Cathal Rasmussen had sought a breakdown of figures outlining the cost to Cork County Council of claims taken by motorists over the last five years.

The repairs claimed for included blown tyres, damage to wheel rims, and damage to suspension and undercarriage.

It is understood that the figures do not include claims from motorists which were unsuccessful.

He had also sought a breakdown by each of the eight municipal districts but divisional manager Niall Healy said in a reply that such a breakdown is not available.

Mr Healy said there is ‘robust and rigorous investigation into each claim’ and that the claims mentioned are not paid out directly by Cork County Council but by their insurers, Irish Public Bodies, as they are covered under their public liability policy.

The current state of roads in West Cork coupled with new emerging potholes on a daily basis across the road network has been highlighted by The Southern Star in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Cork South West TD and Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said the ‘shocking cost of pothole damage’ proves that the country needs a permanent, modern solution to road repairs.

‘In Cork, the scale of the cost associated with potholes and road degradation runs into the millions. This is taxpayers’ money being swallowed up by temporary fixes. Motorists are paying for broken suspensions, damaged tyres and cracked alloys – and councils are stuck filling the same holes again,’ said Deputy Collins.

Last week, he raised the matter in the Oireachtas proposing that Ireland examines the use of the JCB Pothole Pro, which is currently in use across the UK and is designed to cut, crop and clean potholes in a single pass, allowing for a permanent repair, which is fast and more durable than traditional patching methods.

‘This technology is reported to be up to four times faster than conventional repairs. Investing in faster, more durable repair technology is not a luxury, it’s common sense.’

He added that both motorists and rural communities deserve better.

‘Taxpayers deserve to know their money is being spent wisely.’