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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 1947

Vol. 109 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Weather Conditions on Polling Day.

asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the possibility of rural areas being isolated by snowstorms on polling day, thus inflicting a grave injustice on the rural section of the electorate, he will make arrangements with the local authorities to have all roads speedily cleared in such a contingency.

The local authorities are aware of their duty to clear roads that for any reason become temporarily impassable. I have no reason to think that they will not in future as in the past proceed to clear blocked roads in the event of snowstorms as speedily as their resources in men and machines permit, nor do I believe that the county engineers do not realise the importance of having the polling places readily accessible to every elector on the day of the poll.

Is the Minister not aware that entire villages and large rural areas in County Wicklow were isolated last winter for from three to five weeks? Does the Minister not think that it would constitute a grave injustice to the people of these areas if an election were held in such circumstances?

I have no reason to believe that there will be a repetition of the circumstances of last winter, but I have reason to believe that the Deputy has cold feet in regard to the coming election.

Would the Minister definitely state the arrangements which have been made for the clearing of roads in the event of their being completely blocked on the election day? It is quite an easy matter, given foresight and pre-arrangement, to get the roads cleared. However, without foresight and with an irresponsible Minister for Local Government there is a danger that the rural areas might be isolated.

I am afraid the Deputy is fearful that he will be cleared.

Will the Minister make sure that the election will be held on a fine day?

It will be a bad day for Fianna Fáil, anyhow.

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