THE GOVERNMENT HAS launched a new website which aims to tackle potholes, graffiti and broken streetlights across the country.

Fixyourstreet.ie allows residents to report any issues on their street and promises a response to all complaints within two days. It will handle ‘non-emergency issues’ including potholes in roads and pavements, blocked street drains, broken streetlights and illegal dumping – which can be reported online or even via Twitter using the hashtag #fysie.

The site, which went live in a trial beta version today, is currently only available in the South Dublin County area. It is planned to run for three months, after which it is hoped it will be rolled out to cover the whole country. The site was promised in the Fine Gael/Labour coalition’s Programme for Government drafted in March.

A similar site, fixmystreet.com, operates in the UK but is not government-run.

Launching the scheme, minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said: “I see huge potential in this initiative to allow residents to bring matters to the attention of their council in a quick and easy way.” He added: “It is envisaged that once the pilot is completed and evaluated, it will be rolled out on a national basis with any necessary adaptations.”

Councillor Caitriona Jones, mayor of South Dublin County Council, welcomed the announcement. “I am extremely pleased and proud to acknowledge South Dublin County Council’s continued work towards the delivery of quality customer service,” she said. “This pilot further demonstrates South Dublin County Council’s already proven track record in collaborative working towards improving our citizens’ quality of life.”