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<\/p>\nSeveral cars drove through the affected area before the road was shut<\/p>\n
11:03, 24 Jun 2026Updated 14:09, 24 Jun 2026<\/p>\n
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Users took to social media to share photos of the damage(Image: Jackie O’H\/Carrigaline Notice Board )<\/p>\n
As a changing climate continues to bring warmer summers in Cork<\/a>, this latest heatwave has brought about a fair share of problems for the Rebels to deal with. Yesterday, a section of road between Ballygarvan and Fivemilebridge had to be closed after the heat melted freshly laid tarmac, causing serious problems for motorists.<\/p>\n The council acted quickly after the initial reports, but it wasn’t until several drivers<\/a> had passed through the affected area that the issue was brought to light. By then, the sticky tar had adhered to the tyres of several cars, causing serious damage as gravel and other debris coated them.<\/p>\n Users on the popular Carrigaline Notice Board<\/a> shared pictures of the damage on social media. Those who drove through the partially melted road before it closed now face either many long hours scraping off the tar and debris or replacing the tyres altogether in cases of severe damage.<\/p>\n The road was closed shortly before 5 pm yesterday evening and remained closed overnight. It’s understood that crews are monitoring the road, and drivers should use an alternative route where possible.<\/p>\n Local councillor Jack White confirmed the closure yesterday afternoon and advised those whose vehicles were damaged to contact the council’s insurance department.<\/p>\n He said: “There will be a road closure from this afternoon and overnight between Ballygarvan and Five Mile Bridge. This comes after the very high temperatures caused freshly laid gravel to start rising and sticking to cars, causing damage to some vehicles.<\/p>\n “In fairness, our Area Office of the Council have responded very quickly in implementing the closure after I forwarded them messages that were sent to me in the last hour.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m sorry for anyone who has damaged their cars. I will guide people to the Council\u2019s Insurance Dept if you send me an email.”<\/p>\n It’s not the first time the heat has caused these issues on Rebel roads; a similar spell of hot weather melted tar along Lower Goggins Hill last summer.<\/a> Roads have to reach a whopping 50\u00b0C before the tarmac starts going soft – but due to their surface’s dark colour, they absorb heat easily and can reach those temperatures even while the mercury’s in the high twenties.<\/p>\n On top of the damage to cars, the melting tarmac raises safety concerns for drivers, as the roads become unstable and can affect braking performance. As the heatwave continues, motorists are urged to keep a careful eye on the roads and to report any heat damage to the council.<\/p>\n