Kerry councillors expecting better winter weather emergency response with new equipment

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Kerry councillors have expressed their raised expectations of the council’s winter emergency response following the local authority’s acquisition of new equipment.

In a recent Kerry County Council meeting, Councillor Charlie Farrelly urged the council to work to keep roads open during a severe weather event, and not to abandon potentially trapped families.

In January, snowfall in East Kerry left locals in Gneeveguilla village stranded for five days, leaving many feeling Kerry County Council and their local councillors did not do enough to help the community.

Kerry Mountain Rescue was also called during the same week to rescue four families in Glounthane, Cordal, who were cut off without water or electricity for several days. Many other communities were isolated for a few days due to snowfall, with a litany of road closures.

Cllr Farrelly said: “In 2025…I’m not satisfied with Kerry County Council putting down a sign saying ‘road closed’. It’s not good enough.”

“People have to get local access, and I would urge that every stone is not left unturned here, to make sure roads stay open.”

“Don’t abandon the people, don’t leave them to situations where we had to phone the mountain rescue to rescue families.”

Councillors welcomed the buying of five new tipper trucks which Cllr Farrelly said would be of “immense value”. The council has also acquired nine new snowploughs since last winter, further strengthening their ability to react to adverse weather.

Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae thanked the council for their hard work over the last few years to improve their winter response and was grateful for the new equipment.

“While we have to have a level of understanding that severe weather events happen, we have to have the ability to respond and cope. I think last time we did a very good job but we need to learn from it too,” he said.

Councillor John O’Donoghue asked if the council could investigate getting local contractors to help in emergency efforts. He cited examples of local contractors “willing and capable enough” to provide aid in winter weather, with tractors who could help clear roads on a temporary or part time basis.

Local farmers also played a key role in ensuring the safety of residents of Gneeveguilla village, when the community isolated in wintry conditions. Tractors were able to travel out of the village to bring supplies to elderly and families trapped in their homes.