Heatwave could cost taxpayers millions more as melting roads force changes to resurfacing

Cork roads chief says councils face rising resurfacing costs as climate change brings more frequent extreme heat and melting roads

The heatwave has seen several roads forced to close because the tar is melting in surface temperatures that are consistently reaching 50C or more, according to thermometers installed on main thoroughfares. File picture

Taxpayers face paying millions more to resurface roads to stop them becoming dangerous due to the weather extremes brought on by global warming.

The warning from the senior official in charge of the largest local authority road network in the country, comes as current temperatures have disintegrated numerous routes.