Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure that a co-ordinated plan will be put in place between the local authorities and the Irish Farmers Association to assist rural communities to clear heavy snow and ice this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45733/10]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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This is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport. In that context my understanding of the position is as follows.

The agreed priority for local authorities during periods of severe cold is to keep the full national road network and other key strategic routes and public transport routes open for traffic. These roads carry an estimated 60% of total traffic and about 80% of commercial traffic. Other roads are dealt with on a needs basis by local authorities, for example to provide access to medical facilities, emergency services, schools and commercial districts. Local authorities also take a pragmatic approach and respond to specific situations or community events.

Local authorities also liaise with An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and relevant Voluntary/ Community organisations including where appropriate the Irish Farmers Association to address specific issues, including working with Civil Defence/ Defence Forces, as necessary, to ensure that key services, such as public health personnel are able to access isolated clients in rural areas and to deal with specific priorities which are agreed locally.