“Like a Minefield” – Drivers Hit Out at Pothole-Ridden Arklow Car Park
Motorists in Arklow are voicing growing frustration over the deteriorating condition of a busy public car park located near the running track and close to Bridgewater Shopping Centre.
The car park, which falls under the responsibility of Wicklow County Council, has become increasingly difficult to navigate due to a large number of deep potholes scattered across the surface.
Some of the potholes are several inches deep, with many now filled with water, making them difficult for drivers to spot until it’s too late.
Regular users of the area say the condition of the car park has worsened significantly in recent months, raising concerns about potential damage to vehicles.
One local driver told Arklow News:
“It’s like a minefield at this stage. You’re trying to dodge one pothole and end up hitting another. Some of them are very deep.”
Another resident said the issue is becoming unavoidable:
“You can’t even avoid them anymore, especially when the car park is busy. If there are cars coming the other way, you’ve no choice but to drive through them.”
The location is heavily used by people visiting the nearby running track, as well as shoppers and workers in the area, meaning the damaged surface is impacting a wide range of road users daily.
Concerns have also been raised about safety, particularly for pedestrians moving between parked cars.
A local walker commented:
“It’s not just cars, it’s people as well. You’ve puddles everywhere and uneven ground. It wouldn’t take much for someone to trip or twist an ankle.”
Others pointed to the long-term cost of inaction.
“If it’s left like this, it’s only going to get worse. It probably needs a full resurface at this stage, not just patching.”
Following recent wet weather, the potholes have become even more pronounced, with standing water masking their depth and making conditions more hazardous.
Calls are now being made for Wicklow County Council to intervene and carry out necessary repairs before the situation deteriorates further.
At the time of publication, it is not known if any repair works are scheduled for the site.
