Councillor Scott Armstrong of the DUP has highlighted worsening road conditions in rural Armagh areas including Killylea, Tynan, Benburb, Blackwatertown, Granemore, Middletown and Keady. Residents report potholes, collapsing verges, flooding and dangerous surfaces. The Department for Infrastructure faces criticism for failing to maintain these roads to basic standards.

Community care worker Mary Kelly from Armagh drives 150 miles daily and has burst two tyres on local roads. Repair costs may force her to leave her position. Care providers have warned families that services could be withdrawn due to unsafe access for staff.

Farmers risk disruptions to milk collections and feed deliveries if conditions do not improve. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced an additional £2 million for maintenance this year. Armstrong stated rural roads receive low priority compared to motorways and A-roads.

The Department for Infrastructure spent over £500 million on road repairs in the past five years. It paid more than £25 million in compensation for road-related damage and injuries from 2018 to 2023. Rural communities continue to report escalating issues despite these expenditures.