SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has called on Minister John O’Dowd to review his department’s winter services programme.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I want to commend and thank the workers who were out last week in awful conditions and at all hours doing their utmost to keep our roads clear and keep us safe.
“However, it is evident that the department’s approach and application of existing criteria to its road gritting schedule and provision of grit boxes is not serving all areas well.
“The focus seems to be on where there is most traffic, which does not necessarily equate to where there is most need or risk to the public.
“I received assurances from DfI that there was an adequate budget for this year’s Winter Services programme, which means grit shouldn’t be like gold dust and areas should not be abandoned and their residents isolated.
“DfI should not carry out any review of its work and policies by itself.
“They should seek input and assistance from other agencies to establish which areas are most vulnerable to adverse winter weather conditions and where there are vulnerable people too.
“This goes far beyond traffic conditions, impact on the delivery of domiciliary care in some areas is thrown into disarray when snow falls and freezes.
“Last week carers across the North were forced to brave the elements to bring much needed care, they are worth their weight in gold.
“I have called on the Minister to carry out a review of how DfI operates and that must also include additional resources and staff to help an obviously overstretched workforce.
“A spell of bad weather should not put people at risk or bring this place to a standstill.”
Tags: