Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has today asked Derry City Council to ensure its plans for winter emergencies are in place and ready for operational response.
The Minister wants all councils to plan in advance for any emergencies which arise to ensure there is minimum disruption to service for citizens.
In seeking to be on the front foot for winter, Mr Durkan said: “With the clocks going back at the weekend it is appropriate that councils take stock of how well they are prepared for winter.
“While last year’s winter was fairly mild, we need to prepare for severe weather. Remember also that even in the mildest of winters we can still have severe flooding.
“There is also the possibility of long icy spells such as were experienced in the winter of 2010/11.
“Councils showed a lead in helping the thousands of citizens with no heat and no water and I would like to see that spirit of service matched with a maximum state of being prepared, whether it is for snow, ice, flooding, power failures, or utilities not working.
“Given that District Councils have a leading role in responding to civil emergencies, I am writing to them all so that I can be re-assured that they have suitable plans in place for such situations.
“I am also conscious that this winter will take us through to 1 April 2015, when council boundaries and responsibilities change significantly. I will, therefore, be asking Chief Executives of the “new” councils to ensure that the change does not impact on their councils’ ability to respond fully.
“Additionally, citizens also have a key role here. Ask yourself, who are your vulnerable neighbours? Will you be keeping an eye out for them if things get tough?”
Mr Durkan concluded: “It is crucial to plan now and be ready for the unexpected to ensure essential local services are sustained and meet the needs of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Keeping our services open, even during severe weather, is vital to that.”