Proposal for community winter salt bins gets the cold shoulder
Cllr Garry Murtagh proposed implementing a similar approach to Leitrim County Council in which local groups could “request salt bins for steep hills or junctions.”
North Longford Councillor Garry Murtagh has called on Longford County Council to implement a Community Salt Box Programme.
The councillor requested this to be made available in the run up to winter maintenance and gritting season.
Such a service, Cllr Murtagh explained, would enable local groups “to request salt bins for steep hills or junctions in conjunction with the Longford County Council Road Salting Programme which is very similar to what Leitrim County Council do.”
In a response sent to Cllr Murtagh however, the council explained it would not be feasible to carry out the request. The reasons cited appeared to include insurance and a lack of resources.
The councillor acknowledged the council’s existing work in maintaining the county’s extensive road network, while also recognising the public liability concerns involved. He said the focus now should be on securing additional resources to allow more work to be carried out.
Cllr Murtagh told the chamber, “I have seen the response and I appreciate that we're already looking after the vast network of roads, 1,600 kilometres. 23% of roads have been looked after and I realise and appreciate that there is a public liability insurance issue.”
He said, "I wasn't looking to reinvent the wheel. It's already there; it's already in operation. As I said, it works well for them down in Leitrim, but I suppose there's only one thing for it and let's keep going back to the minister looking for additional resources, additional lorries and staff to operate it.”
Cllr Murtagh added, “It’s a bit disappointing, but if that's what Longford County Council feels is the best route for us to go, then we better just keep knocking on the minister's door.”
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