A local councillor has called for action to be taken before someone is seriously injured
Communities are being “turned into ice rinks” due to issues with getting grit boxes refilled, a local councillor has warned.
West Belfast SDLP councillor, Paul Doherty, said it has been a “constant battle” with the Department for Infrastructure just to get grit boxes refilled over the past few days. It comes as Northern Ireland has faced a period of severe weather, with multiple snow and ice warnings issued by the Met Office.
This has led to delays on the roads, flight cancellations, and around 200 schools closing their doors amid the icy conditions.
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As for what he has seen over the past few days, Mr Doherty said: “Entire communities have been turned into ice rinks, parents and children falling on the way to school, elderly residents effectively trapped in their homes, and people struggling to get out to work safely.”
The representative has called for further precautionary action to be taken by the Department for Infrastructure to prepare for colder conditions.
He added: “I am continuing to push to get boxes refilled and to request support in areas where there are none at all – but the bigger question remains. Why does this happen every single time there is a cold snap?
“This is not extreme weather. It is predictable. And yet, once again, communities are left to deal with the consequences.
“The Department for Infrastructure needs to get its act together and put proper planning and resourcing in place – before someone is seriously hurt.”
The Department for Infrastructure said all grit boxes were replenished before the start of the winter season, but current conditions mean salt piles can be used within a few hours. They said they are aiming to replenish grit boxes “as soon as possible”
A DfI spokesperson said: “The Department has around 5,850 salt bins and 52,300 grit piles are also available for use by the public on a self-help basis on selected routes not included on the salting schedule.
“All grit boxes and grit piles were replenished prior to the start of the winter season however during such recent conditions, salt bins and grit piles can be consumed within a few hours.
“Given the limited resources available to the Department it can then take some time to replenish all boxes and piles at a time when priority must be given to treating the main road network. Salt bins and grit piles will be replenished as soon as possible.”
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