McClarty calls for multi-agency approach

The Ulster Unionist representative said: “I appreciate that the duration of the current cold spell is unprecedented, but I am somewhat surprised that the relevant Stormont Departments did not have a contingency plan in place to deal with the situation.

“The fact is that for over a fortnight now, many parts of the Province - including much of my East Londonderry constituency - have been in the grip of snow and ice.

“This has had a major impact on the ability of people to get about, and whilst rural areas have been badly affected, I am also aware that many roads and footpaths in towns such as Coleraine and Limavady have not been sufficiently gritted to make them safe for pedestrians, and indeed I am aware that a number of people in Coleraine town centre have required hospital treatment following falls.”

Mr McClarty stressed: “I believe that enough is enough, and that if no multi-agency contingency plan exists, it is high time that one was established and put in place.”

* The National Trust said yesterday that the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge have been closed due to severe weather conditions making the area extremely dangerous.”