Issue 119 - Lisburn BT25 • BT26 •BT27 •BT28 • BT29
LISBURN AREA HAS FEWEST REPORTED POTHOLES
Northern Ireland’s most potholeridden areas have been revealed, with the latest data showing that the region’s broken roads continue to pose a danger to motorists.
Specially designed wristbands and hang tags free are available free of charge for individuals living with dementia Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to assist if a person wearing them becomes disorientated or lost. For information see https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/dementiafriendly
Local dementia safeguarding scheme launched
This local dementia safeguarding scheme provides specially designed wristbands and hang tags free of charge for individuals living with dementia. These devices help to support independence and improve safety of these individuals within the community. Avon and Somerset Police pioneered this scheme which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology
to assist if a person wearing them becomes disorientated or lost. The NFC tags are programmed with emergency contacts for the next of kin, which can be accessed quickly and securely by anyone with the tap of a smartphone.
Families and caregivers of those living with dementia can get peace of mind from the easily identifiable devices of this Dementia Safeguarding Scheme. If a person living with dementia is found in distress or confused,
members of the public can easily recognise the wristbands or hang tags and take action to contact the next of kin to reunite them quickly with their family or carer.
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Potholes are a persistent source of frustration for drivers, leading to costly repair bills for thousands of motorists in Northern Ireland every year. They are also a major safety concern, increasing the risk of serious accidents and injuries on our roads. While there was a slight drop in the number of potholes reported over the last 12 months – down 3% from the previous calendar year – they continue to present a significant challenge for NI motorists, accounting for 80% of all road claims received by Stormont last year. The statistics show that of the 127,109 surface defects recorded on NI roads in 2025, a staggering 77%
(97,897) were related to potholes. Overall, Belfast emerged as the area with the highest number of reported potholes, with 16,856 in 2025 – a significant rise of 38% from the previous year. Newry, Mourne and Down was the next hardest hit area at 15,249, followed by Mid Ulster, which recorded 12,683 potholes. While four of the 11 local council areas saw an increase in potholes year-on-year, the majority experienced a decrease. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon enjoyed the biggest year-on-year drop of 35%, while Lisburn and Castlereagh recorded the fewest potholes overall at 3980.