Department defends gritting work

The Department of Transport has today issued a statement defending the "excellent work of all local authorities" in "mitigating…

The Department of Transport has today issued a statement defending the "excellent work of all local authorities" in "mitigating the impact" of the recent cold weather on the State's roads.

The department commended "the unremitting efforts of road workers to ensure, as far as possible, that national and other priority roads are salted or gritted in their area".

A circular has been issued to all local authorities by the department, asking them to ensure that accurate information on road conditions is conveyed and that there is continued liaison with An Garda and the HSE.

"As some local communities and individuals will experience considerable difficulties or hardship and medical emergencies will arise where access is an issue, it is recommended that local authorities consider utilising some of the arrangements set out in their local emergency plan."

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"The Department fully understands that the prolonged severe weather will have a significant impact on maintenance budgets and have separately requested information on costs and other details of gritting operations. The information supplied by local authorities will help us assess the overall situation."

"The ongoing efforts of all road authorities are appreciated."

Fine Gael defence spokesman Jimmy Deenihan called for the immediate introduction of a national emergency plan, involving the Defence Forces.

“Road conditions across the country are getting worse, flights are being grounded and many public transport routes suspended. With conditions set to worsen over the next few days, Ireland should be placed on an emergency footing," he said.

Mr Deenihan called for the Defence Forces to be mobilised to provide manpower for local authorities in gritting and clearing roads. "In particular, military transport should be used to move people and supplies where required, particularly in mountainous areas.

“Local authorities are clearly unable to cope. Our cities are being crippled by snow and ice, the economy is grinding to a halt, and many schools will be unable to open tomorrow. Yet the Government’s only response has been a deafening silence and the country is coming to a standstill," the Fine Gael TD said.

The Labour Party also called for a "national weather emergency" to be declared, with assistance provided by the Army.

"With at least another week of sub-zero temperatures forecast, it is now time for the government to recognise the seriousness of the situation and take appropriate action," Tommy Broughan, the party's spokesman on transport said in a statement.

"In particular we need to see some leadership from the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, and the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley.

"Given the pressure on local authorities to keep main roads open, the Defence Forces could be asked to assist with gritting of secondary roads and suburban estates."

Sources at the departments of Transport and Environment said there had been a misconception that there was a shortage of grit, when in fact the shortage was only in relation to rock salt.

Rock salt, or rough mined salt, is mixed with crushed stone for use on roads. The National Roads Authority said a total of 18,500 tonnes of rock salt would be imported over the week to Monday 11th.