A lack of response regarding an uneven pavement has been criticised by a local councillor.

Erne North Councillor Diana Armstrong has said she is “hugely disappointed and frustrated” by a DFI response to calls to address unsafe pavements leading from Lowtherstown Court, which provides sheltered housing for older people in Irvinestown.

Detailing some of the pavements’ defects, Councillor Armstrong said:”The pavements are uneven and in poor condition, and present a safety hazard to mobility-impaired users.

“The road crossing is also hazardous and requires patching. DFI have stated that the pavements in this vicinity do not currently rank highly enough on their footpath resurfacing prioritisation programme to merit works.”

Councillor Armstrong continued: “The residents of Lowtherstown Court are some of our most vulnerable, as many have mobility issues, and these are being disregarded and overlooked by DFI.”

According to Councillor Armstrong, some of the residents have been injured. She said: “There have been numerous instances where residents have tripped and fallen on the footpaths, with one suffering a fractured nose.

“Some of the residents in the Home regularly enjoy a stroll downtown, but many now feel it is unsafe even to go for a walk. This is completely unfair to them, particularly when getting out and about is so important for their health and wellbeing.”

“I am now asking that the Minister for Infrastructure intervene to avoid further injury to users.”

In response to the issues raised by Councillor Armstrong, a DFI spokesperson said: “The Department is aware of the condition of the footpath at Lowtherstown Court.

“Subject to availability of funding, this area will be included when considering future works programmes.”