It may still be September, but Kilkenny’s local authorities are preparing for the worst as the threat of another freezing winter looms.
Director of services John Mulholland said the county council had more than 4,000 tonnes of salt in stock in preparation for more adverse weather as the authorities look to minimise disruptions over the winter period.
Mr Mulholland said the NRA had notified the council of an allocation of 2,750 tonnes of salt for national roads in early September, while the Department of Transport also allocated 670 tonnes this month for regional and local roads.
These amounts were in addition to the 700 tonnes the council already had in stock at its newly constructed salt barns at the Hebron industrial estate and at Newrath.
“Whether it is enough will depend on the severity of the weather, but we are in a way better position than the last two years,” he said.
The Department also notified the council this month of an additional grant of €39,813 for winter maintenance, bringing the total allocation for the year to €358,318.
While last year was a particularly cold winter compared to the average, long range forecasts have already suggested another severe winter is imminent and a government task force will hold a Winter Awareness Week in October, with details to be announced locally soon.
