JCB machine that can fix potholes in 8 minutes coming to Northern Ireland

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently facilitated a demonstration of the JCB Pothole Pro machine in conjunction with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads, the responsible body for roads maintenance.

The JCB Pothole Pro machine is “a unique 3-in-1 machine, designed to repair potholes in an average time of eight minutes without the need for additional specialist equipment or extra manpower”.

This was the first time that the local dealer, Dennison JCB, was able to conduct a full demonstration for the DfI Roads after the machine was originally tested at launch.  DfI welcomed the opportunity to participate in the demonstration with some of their contractors to see how the machine had progressed.  It also provided DfI Roads Staff from various offices to see the machine in operation and engage with the JCB Staff.

Speaking about the demonstration, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said:

“Potholes are an issue across the Council area and are a cause of great concern for the Council, residents and businesses.

Councillors meet regularly with the DfI Roads Officers to discuss roads issues and we are aware of the challenges they face in terms of available resources.

This demonstration provided both Members and DfI Roads, as the body responsible for roads maintenance, with the opportunity to see the machine in operation and if it would be something which DfI roads would be interested in investing in to improve the road infrastructure for residents and visitors.”

JCB Pothole Pro Manager Ben Rawding said:

“We are delighted that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, in conjunction with the DFI, have decided to conduct this trial. The JCB Pothole Pro really is living up to its name by fixing potholes quickly and permanently. It is helping to keep more than 25,000 miles of UK roads pothole free, thanks to investments by local authorities and contractors in England, Scotland, Wales and the South of Ireland.

We hope to mirror this success in Northern Ireland, starting with the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.  The is also successfully in use in Louth County Council.”

If residents are aware of potholes or other road defects, the Council would recommend that these be reported to DfI Roads via the NI Direct website:www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/report-pothole-or-other-surface-defect