Roads Service defends it's gritting measures

In a letter to Derry City Council's solicitor Damien McMahon dated February 8, a Roads Service spokeswoman revealed that 3260 tonnes of salt was used during December's 'Big Freeze' in the Derry City Council area since December 17, compared to 3400 tonnes for the whole winter period in each of the last three years.

The City Solicitor had written to the Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy seeking "an immediate review of the Roads Service winter gritting programme and requesting the inclusion of footpaths in the programme".

The city shivered as temperatures plummeted and was shocked as the fast-flowing River Foyle froze over.

The Minister was also asked to acknowledge that the recent extreme weather conditions required an exceptional response.

Lynne McElhinney, secretary to Mr Murphy, replied, telling Mr McMahon: "I am advised that during the recent cold spell which commenced on 17 December 2009, some 3260 tonnes of salt was used in the Derry City Council area alone.

"This compares with an average, over the last three years, of 3,400 tonnes for the whole winter period."

With regard to the gritting of footpaths, it was said that there was "no statutory duty" on Roads Service or local councils to salt or clear snow and ice from footways.

Ms McElhinney said that a recent review found that the measures would be impractical and cost prohibitive, but that in times of prolonged lying snow, the Department would work in tandem with agencies, including councils, to asist in clearing busy footpaths.

She added: "I am advised that snow ploughing did prove difficult on minor roads in Derry and other areas, as an initial snow fall of 15-20mm became hard and frozen and then became overlaid with further snow.

"This made snow ploughing less effective than would normally be the case."