Council boss says Infrastructurehas power over icy city footways
Council boss John Kelpie has confirmed that the power to tend icy footpaths around the Diamond War Memorial during freezing weather is vested in the Department of Infrastructure.
But Mr Kelpie explained that the Department is not under obligation to salt the city centre footpaths.
He was asked about the pavements surrounding the War Memorial by SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly at the monthly Council meeting on Thursday. Mr Reilly said that during the recent period of inclement weather he was aware of a number of individuals who had suffered falls. He asked Mr Kelpie if he could put on record, which Government Department was responsible for the paths. Mr Kelpie said it was the Councils’ view that there was a difference between power and responsibility. He said: “The Department of Infrastructure has the power but not necessarily the responsibility.”