WITH another big freeze on the way this weekend, Fine Gael Transport Spokesman Simon Coveney TD has called on the Government to immediately insist on local authorities preparing a co-ordinated emergency plan in advance of the weekend.
“We need to learn lessons from the recent extreme cold weather and act now, before the second cold spell hits. Forecasts predict that the next wave of cold weather could be just as severe.
“Ireland has three days to prepare itself. The Government needs to get planning now and the national emergency planning committee should meet immediately. As a priority, every local authority should prepare a new emergency plan.
“This time, the empowerment of local communities to salt and grit their own roads and housing estates should be a central priority in local authority planning.
“I’m suggesting that housing estates and villages should be provided with their own grit and salt containers. These could be topped up on a regular basis during freezing temperatures, by the local authority, so that communities can access salt and grit in their own estates.
“It may not be possible to target every estate in the country with a small stockpile of salt and grit, but certainly housing estates with steep access roads and ice-prone conditions can and should be prioritised.
“If local authorities need the assistance of civil defence and the armed forces, they should be mobilised. The NRA should be centrally purchasing salt stocks to provide to local authorities, to work with local communities, in advance of further freezing conditions this winter.
“We need to prepare when the weather is good, in order to minimise the negative effects of freezing weather,” he said.
This is complete garabge from Mr Coveney. Fine Gael is the largest party on both Coty and County Councils, so for once, it is not actually Fine Fail’s cock – up !
What did FG’s Lord Mayor do after the freeze last year ? Apart from from drawing his outrageus salary and expenses ? And what did FG’s County mayor do last year apart from drawing his salary and expenses ?
I believe he invited John Gormley down to see the effects and asked him to increase funding. Local authorities are funded centrally by Government, perhaps Gerry you should remember that!
Gerry, I am getting worried now as I find myself agreeing with you on more and more issues!
You are absolutely correct that the largest grouping on Cork city and county council’s are doing nothing more than trying to pass the buck on local governance.
Harold, I know how you feel ! However much as I detest the manner in which FF have brought us to the brink of economic destruction , for the second time in my memory, the other parties must also be accountable for their actions.
Scandal Central, Local authorities are funded mainly by the taxpayer and not by Central Government; maybe you should remember that ! What happens the vast amount of money raised by parking charges ? The reality is that both City and County authorities have huge budgets and powers. There seems to be no shortage of funds for big capital vanity projects. For example, look at the unholy mess that has been made of the Grand Parade and no doubt at a cost of millions. then look at the walls of the Grand Parade Library caked in black grease- a bucket of soapy water and a wash down once a week would solve it !
Mr Gormley was not responsible for seeing that the quay walls by Grenville Place were inspected to ensure that these old walls were withstanding the vibration from high traffic volumes and the very significant construction work that has gone on adjacent to the City’s quays. I see absolutely no reason why Mr Gormley should come down to Cork for high profile photo opportunity for local politicians – and that is all it would be. If the Lord Mayor, City Manager and his executives and our Councillors are unable to put together a presentation for the Minister if it is required, then one has to ask, why not ? In addition. Mr Gormley has his Party Chairman, Senator Dan Boyle, sitting in his office building on Douglas St to provide some background information for him. I am sure some passing member of the public would point Mr Boyle in the direction of Grenville place if he is uncertain as to where it is. No, if politcans want to be invloved in Local Government, then they should accept Local Responsibility.
Well said Gerry, and also remember that (according to the Examiner and Echo) that government gave the funding for the repair of the quay wall.
City Council undertook a SIX month study by consultants as to how the wall should be rebuilt while sitting on the money in the bank…says it all really!