Additional areas to be salted in Laois this winter

Laois County Council is planning to acquire a vehicle to spread salt on additional areas this winter.  

Independent Councillor Ben Brennan raised the issue at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. 

He asked in a motion:  “That Laois County Council provide further funding for the purchase or lease of additional equipment for salt spreading in the Killeshin, Crettyard area particularly Rossmore and the Cuts.” 

In a written response,  Senior Engineer, Roads Section Paul McLoughlin said: “Laois County Council is currently investigating options to purchase and lease equipment that would be suitable for carrying out salt spreading at these locations.”

Cllr Brennan asked what type of vehicle is being considered for the salting routes. 

Senior Executive Engineer Philip McVeigh said we are looking at different options. 

Cllr Brennan insisted that a four wheel drive tractor was the best option for the location. He said the council could use it for other work when salting wasn’t needed. 

“I request that we buy a tractor, a four wheel drive tractor,” he said. Cllr Brennan said it would need a loader and a trailer. 

He said such a vehicle would prove useful for the council year round.

“It won’t be parked up for six months,” he remarked. 

“We will definitely have something in place before the season starts,” said Mr McVeigh. 

Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming said he would like to fully support the motion.  

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran seconded Cllr Brennan’s motion. 

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins congratulated Cllr Brennan on securing a commitment from the council. 

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 “I just want to say well done because you have been fighting here as long as I can remember,” he said.