Derry City Council is prepared for any “severe weather emergencies,” a spokesperson has said.
The Council was responding to comments made last week by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan who had written to all Councils throughout the North urging them to be ready for such conditions.
The Minister said: “District Councils have a leading role in responding to civil emergencies. We have had an increasing number of severe winters therefore I am calling on all councils to ensure that preparations are well underway this winter.
“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, including the most vulnerable. Keeping our services open, even during severe weather, is vital to that.”
A spokesperson for Derry City Council said its managers and staff met on a regular basis in relation to contingency planning for all weather conditions.
Among the Council services regularly reviewed are street cleansing, refuse collection, civic amenity site provision, city cemeteries, leisure centres, public parks and pathways.
The spokesperson said the Council also worked closely with the DOE and Road Service to “tie in” with their contingency plans.
The spokesperson confirmed that in anticipation of severe weather conditions, the Council has adequate salt in storage
The spokesperson added: “In addition to this, staff at the City of Derry Airport have full contingency plans in place in preparation for severe weather conditions should they arise. Derry City Council is also working proactively with communities in developing business contingency plans to coordinate emergency response to emergency events.”
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