Extra Funding To Deal With Bid Freeze In Cobh – Mulvihill Snr

Labour general election candidate in Cork East Cllr John Mulvihill snr has welcomed the announcement that an additional €15 million in contingency funding for local authorities is to cover exceptional costs associated with the current extreme weather.

Cllr commented “Local authorities have been working day and night during the snow and freezing weather to keep roads open, to make footpaths as safe as possible, and to provide emergency services to our community.

“There have been reports that some local authorities have had to scale back on road clearance and gritting because of concerns over payment of overtime. I trust that this extra tranche of money will free councils up to take whatever steps are necessary to make sure their areas are as safe as conditions will permit.

“Great credit also must go to residents associations who have taken it upon them selves to grit their own areas. While many authorities have provided grit free of charge to voluntary groups many  have had to source their own grit.”

“I welcome the announcement that the Dept of Environment are to contact local authorities to clarify to them that there are no legal impediments to the practice of distributing grit or salt, free of charge to members of local communities, so they can treat local roads themselves.”

“This clarification should mean that councils will take a common sense approach and work with local communities, rather than against them.”