Jan 12th, 2010

ICMSA say ‘buck stops with councils’ on reaction to weather

The Chairman of ICMSA’s Rural Development Committee, John O’Donnell, lambasted the inaction that he said had yet again marked the official response to problems that were easily capable of solution if a concerted effort was made.

“We’re cursed with the most expensive national and local government structure in Europe and the most inept. We have county councils, urban district councils, regional boards and every other possible type of representative group, but not a single one that will take action or responsibility. Indeed, local people and local voluntary bodies are more active during the freeze than the officials or politicians. The fact that this was also the case during the recent disastrous floods tells you all you need to know about our level of official preparation and reaction. Secondary roads are downright dangerous and I most definitely believe that agricultural contractors and farmers could supply a gritting service that would change the situation for the better within an hour. All the councils would have to do is supply the gritting material to a point that farmers could access. County Councils should get going in this direction, they are the body with the first and most direct responsibility for the day-to-day welfare of their isolated and rural communities and it’s up to the local councillors to get their local authorities moving towards practical solutions and out of their present excuse-mode”, said Mr O’Donnell.

Ends. 8 January 2010.

John O’Donnell, 087-2076589
Chairman, ICMSA Rural Development Committee

Or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758 or 061-314677
ICMSA Press Office

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