Problems caused by freezing conditions in Dublin must be addressed
Issued : Monday 10 January, 2011
Areas : Dublin
The recent freezing weather and snow in November and December caused major problems. Public servants working on public transport and for the local authorities deserve great credit for the efforts they made - especially over the holiday period. Nonetheless we must learn the lessons from the problems with water shortages, bin collections and travelling on the roads and footpaths in the City and do better the next time.
The Dublin City Manager, John Tierney has agreed to carry out a review of the City Council's response. I have prepared an initial submission with suggestions for improving how we cope with these challenges in the future. Let me know what you think and I will include your suggestions in the review. Here's a summary of my proposals so far:
1. Snow & Ice on the Roads
The number of roads being gritted needs to be extended and a clear Map of the network of gritted roads should be accessible on the Dublin City Council website. This should be done in consultation with local Councillors to ensure that roads, which may not be main roads but are of local importance, for example because they serve nursing homes or schools, are gritted.
2. Snow & Ice on Footpaths
All commercial occupiers should have a plan for keeping the footpaths around the entirety of their premises clear of snow and ice. The Council needs to have a plan for keeping key footpaths gritted and clear of snow and ice and traders and residents need to be involved.
3. Bin Collections Missed
The bin collection service is paid for in our waste charges. Residents are entitled to a replacement collection where a collection is missed. The Council’s website should indicate, on a 'street-name' basis, the date of the additional/replacement collection. It was unacceptable that many roads had bins left uncollected for weeks.
Where certain narrow roads remain difficult to access, the Council should nominate an agreed collection point, for example at a junction with an accessible road. Information about this new approach should be included in waste charge bills and on the Council’s website.
4. Water shortages
Clearly the City pipes and water infrastructure needs upgrading and an urgent capital programme is required. The Council must ensure that its website and the media have details of all restrictions proposed for the next few days to allow residents plan and manage their water usage.
The Council’s emergency call-centre system didn't work satisfactorily and specific areas in the City suffered far worse than others - so the burden needs to be more evenly shared when the capacity is stretched.
A clear map showing the different water systems in the City needs to be on the Council’s website so people can understand the information provided about the different restrictions.
It is also important that the Council ensures and monitor the quality of the water provided. I had some reports of water with bubbles remaining even after settling and of plants withering when 'watered'.
Cllr 
