Ballybay-Clones reps demand more money for salting
- Veronica Corr -
The treacherous conditions that occur on untreated roads during freezing weather and the need for long established salting routes to be reviewed was the subject of a motion proposed by Cathaoirleach Sinéad Flynn at Monday morning’s meeting of Ballybay-Clones Municipal District (MD).
She proposed that the MD write to Minister Darragh O’Brien at the Department of Transport, seeking additional funding and resources to support the salting and gritting of the extensive rural road network within the Ballybay-Clones MD, where a significant number of schools and childcare facilities are located. Cllr Flynn also requested a review of winter maintenance and salting arrangements, with a view to expanding coverage.
The meeting’s chair thanked the MD’s outdoor staff for the Trojan work they did during the cold snap, sometimes working through the night to salt roads in advance of people doing the school run and travelling to work. She noted that the staff were working within tight restraints, as they had limited resources and personnel. Furthermore, the salting routes were agreed at national level years ago.
Cllr Flynn commented that the recent freezing conditions saw cars slide out at junctions, noting that a bus had slid into the ditch. These rural routes must be made safer during subzero weather.
“Rural communities cannot be expected to stop functioning every time temperatures drop,” Cllr Flynn said, adding that she was contacted about roads in neighbouring MDs too.
Seconding, Cllr Pat Treanor (SF) said that elected reps had all received calls from people dissatisfied that their roads were not salted. He noted that community groups and schools may not be aware of the availability of free salt bins and salt (one free refill at the start of the season). He asked that those eligible be informed through the Public Participation Network.
Supporting, Cllr Sean Gilliland (FG) observed that there appeared to be plenty of salt, but there may not be enough lorries to spread it, suggesting that a letter be sent to the Road Section. He felt that there could be some easy wins, if hotspots were covered. He understood the frustration of motorists and said that no one wanted an accident, especially if kids were in the car.
Cllr Richard Truell (FG) observed that the problem was not just salt, but vehicles and manpower. Some schools were off the beaten track, but he was under the impression that all approaches to schools would be treated in freezing conditions.
District Co-ordinator Matthew Lambe said that there were areas not on the route, but that they would do their best not to see people stuck.
Requests can be sent to the Roads Section at info@monaghancoco.ie
On a related note, Cllr Gilliland raised the issue of surface water on roads, which had no outlet for escape. He observed that, when this water freezes, it can become a sheet of black ice. Landowners were reminded that they would be liable for any accidents caused by such water flowing onto roads from their lands. District co-odinator Matthew Lambe asked the public to report such instances, adding that someone would be sent out to the location to ensure that gullies and ditches are clear.