Outpouring of concerns and suggestions as Kilkenny winter road plan is adopted

Kilkenny County Council has confirmed details of its Winter Maintenance Plan for the 2025–2026 season, which is currently operating until April 30, 2026.

Daily monitoring of road conditions will be carried out, and winter maintenance resources will be deployed as required.

The council’s priority service target is to keep roads frost and ice-free 24 hours a day on Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes, with operations running seven days a week from the council’s machinery yard.

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In a letter accompanying the plan, Seamus Kavanagh, Director of Services for Transportation, reminded motorists of their duty of care to consider weather and road conditions when planning journeys.

He noted that while the local authority will take all practicable steps to prevent ice formation and snow accumulation on major routes, it is not feasible to treat every road in the county.

At the most recent plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council, the Winter Maintenance Plan was proposed by Cllr Andrew McGuinness and seconded by Cllr Eugene McGuinness.

Cllr Andrew McGuinness queried what plans were in place to equip housing estates that are usually problematic with tools to alleviate winter issues.

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Cllr Eugene McGuinness referenced Assumption Place and Melville Heights, describing the situation there as “a Torvill and Dean practice every year,” referring to the famous ice skating duo.

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick emphasised the need to focus on rural areas such as Coon, Johnswell and other high-elevation areas, where carers could become marooned.

He called for a concentrated and proactive approach, particularly for people living alone who may need dressings or other medical attention.

Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin raised the idea of salt boxes and asked if a scheme could be introduced to provide them for community operation.

He also called for consideration of salting the Ring Road, highlighting its popularity for exercise during the winter months.

Responding, Seamus Kavanagh said salt bins “are something we can look at.”

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He explained that the cost of a tonne of salt is €186, noting that the salt used by the local authority is funded by the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

“Anything after that we have to pay ourselves,” he said, citing the significant potential cost.

He added that officials will be meeting with contractors and the IFA soon and confirmed that the council will use all resources available.

Kilkenny County Council operates four permanent pre-wet salt spreaders, three demountable spreaders, and maintains backup equipment for severe conditions.

A brine plant at the machinery yard on Hebron Road is used to pre-wet salt, improving efficiency during cold periods.

There are also eight snow ploughs available - six truck-mounted and two adaptable for other vehicles.

The council’s depots maintain both demountable and towed spreaders, with full service and calibration schedules in place.

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