No resources to add further roads to winter programme

Leitrim County Council has no resources to add extra roads to its winter maintenance programme.

Councillor Cormac Flynn put down at a motion at the recent meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District stating that “the recent cold snap and associated unusual climatic conditions highlighted some gaps in the council’s winter maintenance programme. I request that the roads department revisit the plan prior to next year’s publication and consider the inclusion of roads such as the Mohill to Drumlish Rd, Drumsna to Keshcarrigan, Carrick to Cootehall Rd via Hartley, and Keshcarrigan to Mohill Rd.

“I would also like to request that the maintenance programme refer to the Bus Eireann school bus routes when making future determinations.”

However, a report from the roads department outlined that “the 2025/26 winter maintenance was presented to the elected members in the fourth Quarter of 2025. Due to resources, we cannot add any further roads to our priority 1 or priority 2 list which covers our national and regional road network. All other roads within the county can be treated during normal working hours if resources allow.”

It was further stated that the council grit 22% of the whole road network which is probably higher than most local authorities.

Cllr Flynn said council members had been inundated with phone calls during the cold snap. “I have never got that amount of calls before.” In reply, the council said they were out treating roads during the day after calls came in, she said. The motion was also supported by Cllr Sean McGowan who highlighted the road by Lough Rynn Hotel and Spa and rowing facility.

Cllr Enda Stenson agreed, saying this was a very busy road and needed attention.

*Published under the Local Democracy Scheme