Public gritting legal

Legal problems with grit melt away


Liam Sammon

FARMERS who were told they may be sued if they put grit or salt on public roads can now do so without legal worry, the Attorney-General has confirmed.
Farmers in rural areas last year did not grit public roads as they were afraid that members of the public could sue them for damages in the event of a crash.
Swinford County Councilor Joe Mellett has said that he has been in continuous contact with Mayo County Council to sort this issue. Cllr Mellett told The Mayo News that Cork County Council went ‘over the top’ with red tape. “They wanted people to undertake a Health and Safety course before spreading grit, which seems to be the wrong decision in-light of current economic circumstances.
“I want to get the people on FÁS and the Rural Social Scheme to help with the gritting of the roads and paths, seeing as many of these people are out of work at the current time,” added Cllr Mellett. Cllr Mellett has been in contact with a FÁS advisor who he claims is in favour of the idea.
IFA President John Byran said that the refusal of some local authorities to supply grit to farmers who are willing to assist in the cleaning of minor roads around the country ‘shows a serious lack of common sense’.
Mayo County Council will be setting up 70 locations around the county where grit will be available to the general public. The council has confirmed that the grit will be available for isolated and hazardous areas that have not been treated.
Westport Town Council has made grit supplies available for the public to use on roads and footpaths in their area. Supplies have been provided at the following locations in the town: Pairc na Coille; Fairways Estate; Westlands  Estate; Kings Hill; Horkans Hill; Pinewoods Estate; Fr. Angelus Park; Carrowbeg Estate; The Elms; Michael Davitt Park; Chestnut Grove; The Cottages; The Crescent; Springfield Drive; and the Quay.

Liam Sammon, a student at Rice College, was on work experience at The Mayo News.