A pothole on Culmore Road in Derry damaged a car wheel, leaving the driver's daughter shaken. The woman reported the incident online and noted the defect had existed for some time. She warned of potential serious risks to drivers on the road.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan called the pothole the Culmore Crater. He stated it and numerous others across Derry remain unrepaired despite reports. Durkan said multiple drivers suffered vehicle damage from it.

Durkan advised that compensation claims can be filed with the Department for Infrastructure if potholes cause damage. He questioned visible road improvements in Derry despite statements from Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.

Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin pointed to a crater pothole at the top of Fountain Hill in the Waterside. She said her office contacted DfI for months about it and others. McLaughlin noted children from Chapel Road Primary School cross there and urged quick repairs ahead of school reopening.

McLaughlin wrote to Minister Kimmins, who replied in February that resurfacing was not feasible on the route into Derry. She plans to keep pressing for action.

DfI data records 18,079 road defects reported across Northern Ireland from April 1, 2025, to February 2026. Derry and Strabane saw 1,042 reports. DfI repaired 59,314 defects in that period.

DfI categorises surface defects including potholes, ruts, depressions, cracks, uneven surfaces and edge issues. Repairs prioritise based on severity and public risk. Lower priority defects inform future planning.