Opposition playing politics with freeze, says Gormley

MINISTER'S RESPONSE:MINISTER FOR the Environment John Gormley has accused Opposition parties of making "a political issue" out of the severe weather conditions continuing to affect large parts of the country.

Opposition councillors controlled local authorities which should be holding emergency meetings to ensure they had enough road-salting materials, he said yesterday evening.

"It is very important to note that councillors have a duty. In some cases they actually cut the gritting budget," Mr Gormley told RTÉ's Six One News.

Councillors had particular responsibility in the area of road maintenance and de-icing, he said.

“Now I would suggest that because we do have an emergency that they would call an emergency meeting and they should ensure that there is enough grit . . . going into their respective areas.”

Claiming Opposition spokespeople were trying to make “a political issue” of the situation, he said: “The fact of the matter is that they control those local authorities.”

Mr Gormley said the continued severity of the weather meant that supplies of salt were running low and could last for just a few more days.

Remaining salt supplies would be mixed with grit and sand, if necessary, he said. “It’s not as effective but it is useful and it can be applied.” Additional supplies were going to have to be located in continental Europe.

Mr Gormley said he had seen reports that the country was grinding to a standstill and in paralysis, but he insisted this was not the case. Primary routes had been kept clear, he said, and he commended the ongoing efforts of local authority workers.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Gormley told RTÉ's News at Oneprogramme his department would co-ordinate the State's response to the freezing weather situation.

The transfer of authority to his department would be similar to what had occurred during the recent spate of flooding. He said he thought his department and officials had performed “very well” at that time.

A national director of emergency, Seán Hogan, had been put in place, he said.

Mr Gormley said the National Roads Authority had been tasked with buying and distributing more salt, which was “a critical issue at this stage”.

The State was experiencing its longest cold spell since 1963, he said. About 50,000 tonnes of salt had been used in three weeks, which was the amount that would normally be required in the course of a year.

“It’s more, I think, than roads at this stage. We have to look at the whole question of education, water supply, agriculture.”