A risk assessment may need to be carried out for every pothole in Leitrim which requires fixing during the current lockdown.
The January meeting of the Ballinamore M.D has heard today that road works involving potholes are classed as general maintenance, and not an essential service by the government during level 5 restrictions.
Local representatives in Leitrim have expressed their frustration at how the pandemic and level 5 restrictions have slowed down routine works across the county.
The January meeting of the Ballinamore M.D heard that while Leitrim County Council is providing essential services, such as salting and winter maintenance, fixing potholes is classed as general routine works - and is not essential
A Council engineer explained that each pothole would need to examined and be risk assessed for public safety to decide if it was a danger- and if it could be immediately fixed.
Drainage works were also described as non-essential after concern was expressed by a Councillor over severe flooding in some south Leitrim areas last week following torrential rain.
Director of services Vincent Dwyer explained that Leitrim was not unique in having a lot of non-essential outdoor staff off work due to the pandemic.
He explained that government policy dictates that Councils minimise staff movements and they will adhere to government policy until government policy changes.
