Not every road can be gritted during frost in Leitrim

Life in rural Leitrim is idyllic ... until the frost comes! While Leitrim County Council has been out gritting national primary and regional roads around the clock over the past few days, those who live off the main road have been grappling with slippery driving conditions.

Cllr Justin Warnock said they were “caught off guard” in Kinlough where rain and frost made for dangerous conditions. He said the Manorhamilton area councillors were treated as “punchbags” and “took the whole abuse for the council” as the public vented their anger and complaints about untreated roads and footpaths over the weekend. While noting “every road can't be done,” Cllr Warnock said important roads in Tullaghan and Kinlough needed attention, such as the road to the school and the Co-Op. He also asked if Tidy Towns could be given salt boxes to help grit footpaths around towns, villages and estates.

Cllr Padraig Fallon asked that the council grit the road to Arvarney NS and said “it is very dangerous” and explained teachers and children will not be able to attend the school if it is not gritted.

Chairperson Cllr Frank Dolan agreed that there needs to be more preparation for harsh winter weather, while also admitting “it is impossible to keep everyone happy.” The Dromahair road to Sligo by Parke's Castle was noted as very dangerous over the past number of days, Sligo County Council services this patch of road as part of an agreement with the Leitrim authority. The councillors requested Sligo pay a bit more attention to that road.

According to the council's Winter plan, they will clear snow/ice from footpaths at strategic locations during harsh weather. Property owners are encouraged to clear the footpaths outside their property.

Grit boxes are also available at a number of locations around the county and communities can purchase salt boxes to help make local paths safe.