Fine Gael has set out a three point plan to tackle the Arctic weather crisis which has gripped the country. Local Fine Gael Councillor Neale Richmond has called on the Ministers for Transport and the Environment to immediately take control by implementing a national emergency response, and immediately deploying the Defence Forces. And with salt and grit supplies almost extinguished, other sources such as beach and quarry material should be explored immediately.

“The Government has been in hiding for the last three weeks, instead of trying to deal at a national level with this crisis facing the country. Despite repeated calls from myself and others, Fianna Fáil and the Greens have failed abysmally to get on top of this issue and show direction.

“Under sustained pressure from Fine Gael, Government Ministers have finally started to surface but nothing tangible has been forthcoming. I believe it is vital that the following three measures must be implemented urgently:

  1. I believe that Noel Dempsey and John Gormley should immediately take control of a co-ordinated response to this crisis. The absence of both Ministers throughout this crisis has been a disgrace. Both Ministers receive large salaries for their jobs, and the least you would expect is for them to be available.
  2. The Defence Forces should be deployed immediately. Fine Gael. Highly trained Defence Forces personnel, their transport equipment and their experience of extreme weather conditions can play a vital role in tackling the crisis. There are more than 10,000 trained personnel within the Defence Forces.
  3. Finally, with grit and salt supplies critically low, we need to find some alternative. No new supplies are arriving for another five days while Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council only has enough stocks to maintain main roads. Taoiseach Brian Cowen has been unable to provide any alternative strategy to source grit and salt. Beach sand is already being extracted in the UK, and in Ireland could at least be used on footpaths. A number of private quarries here have also offered material, which should immediately be examined for suitability.

“This crisis is hitting everyone in our area with many schools closing and local businesses taking a pounding, nationally it is estimated this cold spell will cost the economy in the region of €1oo million. It takes 18 inches of snow to bring New York to a halt. In Ireland, it takes just an inch. This is a disgrace. It’s time for someone in the Government to take action.”