Speed limits should be halved during Red Weather Warning

Members of Maynooth Municipal District are calling on Kildare Co Council to reduce all speed limits by half on all roads in the event of a Red Weather Warning.

The 'Beast from the East' and Storm Emma dumped several feet of snow due to the effect of drifts across the county earlier this month.

Met Eireann issued a rare Red Weather Warning in advance of the weather event.

It was the second time in just over four months for the highest level weather warning to be issued.

A Red Warning was also triggered before Storm Ophelia hit Ireland in mid-October.

The recent 'Beast from the East' and Storm Emma weather events are dominating the upcoming Kildare Co Council's monthly meeting next week.

Kildare County Council’s Crisis Management Team incorporating the Severe Weather Assessment Team met regularly to plan and co-ordinate its response to the conditions.

Councillor Martin Miley and Councillor Deborah Callaghan requested that the Council compliments all those involved in the recent severe weather event i.e. councils own staff, Gardaí, HSE, Civil Defence, the farming community and the wider community at large for their help and community support.

The politicians also asked that the Council ensures that central government provides the additional funding to cover the cost to Kildare County Council for the emergency works carried out and that additional funding is made available to repair roads in the county that are disintegrating as a result of the severe weather conditions.

Councillor Tim Durkan asked that the council carry out a full review of all snow handling equipment owned by Kildare County Council paying particular attention to the feasibility of purchasing a number of high-capacity snow moving machines.

Councillor Carmel Kelly also called on the Council to acknowledge the heroic efforts of volunteers to clean up areas and rescue people during the recent snow storms.

The politician asked that arrangements are made for suitable recognition including compensation, where appropriate.