How Louth County Council is dealing with the weather.

Below is a copy of the text received by all County Councillors in Louth on Friday 8th January 2010.

8th January 2010
TO: MEMBERS OF LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL

Re: Current Adverse Weather Conditions

Dear Councillor

I refer to the above matter and would like to take the opportunity to outline the current situation.

In relation to the roads network, I can confirm that roads have been salted for the last 24 nights in succession. I can confirm that National (120km), Regional (250km) and Urban roads are in good condition. Only roads that were indicated on a map circulated at the Louth County Council December meeting are being salted. In both towns for the same period, a specified route only is being maintained. No local roads have been salted and these are generally being reported as being in poor condition with care needed if using same. The only exception currently in place is in the case of funerals and these are being managed by the relevant Area Engineer.

As of today, Friday 8th January we have salt supplies for 3-4 nights of frost only. If there is a heavy fall of snow this will only last for 2 days at most and in this eventuality salting will be on national routes only. The decision will be made at the time of the snow and available salt stocks at that time. I can confirm that all salting in the County of Louth and management of salt stocks is being co-ordinated by the Senior Engineer, Roads.

The local authorities are also dealing with a significant number of issues in the water services area at both plant level and individual dwelling houses. Staff will continue to work over the weekend in this area and additional resources have also been deployed where necessary.

The council has also circulated information in relation to care of the elderly to over 250 groupings during this time.

The Major Emergency Planning process is being utilised currently and co-ordinating meetings have been held with An Garda Siochana and Health Service Executive Personnel. This monitoring and co-ordination will continue until the current situation abates.

If matters change, I will make further details available.

Yours sincerely