Some Laois 'hilly areas' still not on salting routes
The council hasn’t the resources to salt some areas in Laois, a councillor was told.
Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming had asked “That Laois County Council give an update on the winter maintenance plan as regards ice, frost and snow – salting in particular in the vulnerable areas of Wolfhill, Rossmore, Killeshin and all hilly areas that are not including in the current rostered routes for treatment in the interest of public safety.”
In response, Senior Engineer, Paul McLoughlin stated that: “Laois County Council is currently investigating options to purchase and lease equipment that would be suitable for carrying out some salt spreading at Rossmore and The Cuts. The Municipal District does not currently have the resources to consider any other salting routes beyond these areas.”
Cllr Fleming said there were serious issues in the areas concerned.
“I won’t accept that answer whatsoever,” he said.
He said the areas concerned were “treacherous” and “dangerous” when there was ice and snow.
“Why was the area of Wolfhill left out of the answer,” he asked.
He said people were unable to go to work last winter because the roads were so dangerous. He said conditions were so bad that local people began clearing the roads.
“This is a serious problem for the people of Wolfhill,” said Cllr Fleming.
Senior Executive Engineer Philip McVeigh said “we don’t have staff resources to cover.”
Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said he would second the motion.
The issue was discussed at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.