Eight Laois housing estates to receive salt bins in future snow events

Laois County Council have proposed the installation of eight salt bins in Portlaoise housing estates were steep hills or inclines can be found at estate entrances.

"We had absolutely no salt for anyone in Portlaoise who wanted to do it themselves," Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said.

"The footpaths in most of the estates were lethal. If we had a system where some of it was dropped to most estates, the people would go out and do it themselves," she said.

"We have to be better equipped. I really acknowledge all of the hard work that was done, and everyone was doing their best. We need to look at storage for salt, and to consider dropping a load to each estate," Cllr Fitzgerald argued.

The Portlaoise MD Area Office proposed to install salt bins at these locations:

• Ardán Glas
• Ashton Manor
• Borris Little (beside St Francis School)
• Highfield Meadows
• Kilminchy
• Rathevan Heights
• Rossdarragh Hill
• Saint Brigid's Place.

"People would at least feel we are doing something for them," Cllr Fitzgerald replied.

"Portlaoise is a big town, and there are a load of estates. I had people on to me from St Brigid’s, and they couldn’t walk on the footpaths. They couldn’t go on the roads, and a taxi wouldn’t come for them. They were completely abandoned," she said.

Pictured: Portlaoise during last week's ice and snow. Photo: Forest Wolf Photography

"We have to put in a plan that we use the tractors that we have around the place, and make sure that they are employed and using this equipment in the snow. We really need to look at different ways we can do this.

"I don’t expect to buy machinery that costs a fortune that we might never use, but we have to look at our storage of salt, how we can deliver salt, and how we can work with the residents associations and the farmers," Cllr Fitzgerald finished.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded this motion from Cllr Fitzgerald, also calling for the inclusion of more housing estates.

"I notice the areas for Portlaoise that are being considered for the salt bins are mostly on inclines and hills," said Cllr Dwane Stanley.

"I would ask that the Mountmellick road be included in this list. I have received calls from every estate, some people have told me they bought salt and tried to do their areas themselves," she said.

"What exacerbated the issue is that when other people heard that there was salt in some areas, they didn’t realise it was the rural areas. Farmers in rural areas were brilliant going out with salt, next we start hearing people asking where the salt is for the Portlaoise area," said Cllr Dwane Stanley.

 "I want to acknowledge the great work done, the main and regional roads were kept open. And we didn't run out of any Brennan's bread," she finished.

Ballyroan Cllr Barry Walsh explained that the reason salt was given to the rural areas is because they were not receiving as much gritting as Portlaoise town, and suggested an in-committee meeting to plan for future weather events. T

"Things have improved since I started, but maybe there is a way we can utilise farmers if they want to help," Cllr Walsh said.

This matter arose at the January sitting of Laois County Council's Portlaoise Municipal District.