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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Department for Infrastructure and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council that allows the two bodies to join resources in order to clear footpaths of snow and ice, and to carry out salting or gritting has expired almost 6 months ago.
At this weeks Sustainability and Environment Committee Meeting a report stated “members should note that the MoU has actually expired and will require renewed/ extended in due course”.
According to the same report the MoU signed on 1 October 2019, would remain for “a maximum of three years”.
In a renewal motion, Mournes councillor, Willie Clarke said: “This council notes recent cold snaps, which left many roads and footpaths in the district impassable.
“This motion calls on the council to engage with DfI as per the MoU, which will ensure our roads and footpaths are maintained during cold snaps and the public are kept safe.”
He added: “There have been high volumes of areas throughout the district with no gritting.
“It is not acceptable. The MoU has been allowed to run out.
“A new agreement has to be activated.
“What if there is another cold snap that lasts a few days or a week, who reactivates the MoU and rolls it out?
“There are accidents waiting to happen, kids going to school, cars out on roads.
“We need it renewed and supported.”
It was agreed that officers would engage with DfI Roads to review the Memorandum of Understanding.
