Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

It is right and proper that the House debate the recent big freeze, the worst since 1963, which paralysed the country. That so little was done and Ministers were nowhere to be seen throughout the period illustrates the lack of leadership in Government. Like Deputy D'Arcy, I do not blame anyone for going on holidays. However, there was no one to take the place of Ministers until the crisis was almost over. In addition, salt and grit were not available to make our roads safe and an overall plan was lacking. If we are to learn one lesson from the 30 days the freeze lasted, it is that we should be prepared in future.

County Donegal was brought to its knees and its road infrastructure ruined by the big freeze. Of the 6,300 km of road in the county, the local authority succeeded in gritting 1,200 km or 20% of the network. As a result, 80% of the county's roads were left untreated and communities throughout the county were left isolated and exposed to the elements.

I acknowledge the work done by the Defence Forces, Civil Defence and, in particular, the mountain rescue teams who delivered food parcels to those living in mountainous areas and helped them survive the crisis. I also compliment communities on their response. I would have been marooned in my townland for weeks if my neighbours had not spread sand deposited on the roadside by the council shortly before Christmas. While I acknowledge the work done by the local authorities, the resources at their disposal were inadequate.

Travelling through most of County Donegal in the past week or two, I found that the county's roads are devastated. An engineer informed me that the damage is known as frost heel. Perhaps the Minister of State is aware of it. The "Back of Errigal" road, which was not gritted, is almost impassable in parts. Last Friday, I travelled from Lifford to Porthall to St. Johnston on a road which can only be described as Third World. These damaged roads must be repaired. I hope the Government will refund local authorities for the work they have carried out. The Donegal county manager stated last Friday that the big freeze has so far cost €4 million.

At the best of times, 42% of water in County Donegal is unaccounted for. During the freeze, water consumption increased by 35%, which is a story in its own right. County council staff dealt with leaks night and day but large tracts of the county were left without water during the crisis. Major investment is required to ensure almost half of our water is not lost and guarantee an adequate supply of water. Substantial resources will also be required to fix the roads. The neglect of the past must be put right as soon as possible.

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