€100k bill for stolen manhole covers

The National Roads Authority (NRA) has confirmed that 126 manhole covers have been replaced on the M18 since last summer at a cost of €100,000.

It’s believed that the wrought iron covers were removed from drainage shores by thieves who sell them on to scrap metal dealers.

The NRA has also said while the problem appears to be confined to a section of the M18 that links counties Clare and Galway, they are checking the entire motorway network for missing covers.