Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2021
78. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the number of weeks of expected salt supplies for road gritting that each local authority has at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2349/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 8 January, there are 97,100 tonnes of salt available for use on the network of National Roads and Motorways. In addition, there are 68,900 tonnes available for use on the Regional and Local Roads network. To date, 24,700 tonnes of salt have been used this winter on the National Roads and Motorway networks, while a further 35,400 tonnes has been used in relation to the Regional and Local Roads network.
The number of weeks of salt remaining is dependent on the severity of the weather and the level of salt usage required. At present, based on typical winter usage, it is expected that there will be sufficient salt supplies to last the remainder of the winter season. However, salt stocks are monitored and assessed on a weekly basis. Should salt usage be significantly higher than normal over the coming weeks as a result of severe winter weather and colder conditions, additional stocks will be ordered under Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s Salt Purchase Framework.
