No resources to grit Mayo's local road network
The majority of local roads in the county will not be gritted this winter.
Mayo County Council does not have the resources to treat the majority of local roads this winter, a meeting of the local authority heard.
The council ordinarily treats approximately 1,350km of roads across 21 routes, which equates to 100% of the county's national primary network, 100% of the national secondary network, 90% of regional roads and 5% of the local road network.
During extended severe winter weather, stockpiles of grit may be made available for use by the public when resources allow. These stockpiles will be placed at strategic locations and these locations will be available on the council website.
The council’s Winter Service Plan was presented to councillors at the local authority's monthly meeting on December 11.
However, councillors were unhappy with the level of service being provided.
Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said homeowners are routinely "trapped" in their estates due to the lack of grit on roads and footpaths. Cllr Kilcoyne proposed that stockpiles be left for residents' accociations during the periods of extreme weather.
“You would see more salt on a burger than you get in some estates,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.
“Not even a burger! There is not even enough to put on an egg,” said Erris councillor Gerry Coyle.
He said schoolchildren in his area are being left stranded due to the lack of treatment on local roads. Cllr Coyle pointed to a recent incident where a school bus went off the road.
“Wherever the money has to come from, a child’s life is more important,” he added.
Cllr Blackie Gavin said housing estates and footpaths are "lethal" during the winter. He said the recent cold snap left footpaths in Castlebar like "a skating rink".
Cllr Mark Duffy said the lack of treatment of footpaths and car parks is a public health issue.
“We have an elderly population in this county. If someone breaks a hip they face an uphill struggle for the rest of their life,” said the Ballina councillor.
Director of Services Tom Gilligan said the council has limited resources.
“We don’t have the resources to do all the road network,” he told councillors.
