REVEALED: No room in the budget to increase winter maintenance services
Councillor Seán Ryan voiced his worries about facing another harsh winter
Despite a mild and snow-free winter so far, concerns have been raised about the winter maintenance programme in Tipperary.
Winter maintenance runs from mid-October to the end of April each year. Tipperary County Council works to improve its winter services, but neither the council nor Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), previously the NRA, is legally required to pre-salt roads.
During a recent Tipperary council meeting, Councillor Seán Ryan voiced his worries about facing another harsh winter. He recalled how, last January, people living in upland areas were stranded in their homes for an entire week. He urged the council to secure more funding to tackle severe weather.
Director of Services Liam Brett admitted that winter maintenance continues to put pressure on the council’s budget. He said that while this year’s funding has stayed the same, there is no chance for more money.
Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme