Snow clearing farmer in Laois not being paid by local authority

A Laois farmer who spent several days clearing snowdrifts from roads to help his neighbours last March, has been refused payment of a bill he sent to Laois County Council.

The snow clearance work had not been requested by the council. At the April council meeting, Cllr Ben Brennan from east Laois demanded that the farmer be paid.

“We had seven feet of snow. People were locked in for three to five days. I know one contractor who spent three days clearing the snow. He sent a bill and they sent it back because he was not on the list. He was helping everybody get to work. I want to see this cleared up, it’s not fair,” he said.

In a motion tabled by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, the local authority was asked to create a panel of local agricultural contractors to treat local roads throughout Laois during extreme weather.

However the reply from Director of Services Donal Brennan suggests that the existing system be maintained.

He outlined how the council has a fleet of vehicles to treat priority roads. In extreme weather it leaves piles of salt and grit at depots for public use, and it liaises with the Irish Farmers Association to request any extra work required.

“I am disappointed, we could have as bad if not worse weather in the future. It would be good to have a list, to negotiate with contractors. It is practically impossible for Laois County Council to get to all local roads,” Cllr Fitzgerald said in reply.

Cllr Brennan seconded her motion, repeating his request to pay the farmer.

“The man got a letter back to thank him for his work, the work he did was unreal. He cleared six or seven feet of snow, to let out people. I feel the council should pay him. I propose he is paid,” Cllr Brennan said.

Cllr Willie Aird said that himself and many other farmers cleared snow but didn’t ask for money.