Call for sweeper to ease workload of Tidy Towns Teams in Leitrim
Calls have been made for Leitrim County Council to invest in a small road sweeper to assist Tidy Towns groups struggling with heavy workloads in the county.
Leitrim County Council has been urged to support Tidy Towns committees by purchasing a road sweeper for use in towns and villages across the county.
At a recent meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Mary Bohan asked that the Council consider using a suitable small sweeper. She said Tidy Towns groups had raised the idea after seeing similar machines in use elsewhere, and explained that it would help reduce the amount of work these groups carry out in towns and villages.
A response from the Roads department noted that the Manorhamilton MD does not have a funding stream for the purchase of a sweeper.
It also stated that the Council had included provision for the hire of a small sweeper in its annual road plant tender, however there was no response from any suppliers.
“We currently try and coordinate with the Tidy Towns teams so that any cleaning works coincide with the days the Road Sweeper is in the area which can assist with the removal of litter/debris,” the response said.
Cllr Bohan’s motion was seconded by all councillors in the MD. Cllr Gurn commented that it is something that should be considered in relation to future greenway maintenance, as the existing sweepers are not suitable for use on greenways.
The meeting also heard that one of these sweepers could cost up to €80,000. Cllr Warnock noted that Tidy Towns groups sometimes struggle to attract more volunteers due to the volume of work involved, adding that “someone needs to step up and give them a bit of help.”
Cllr Fallon suggested it could even be a potential business opportunity, given the number of Tidy Towns groups in Leitrim, if someone were to purchase a sweeper.
Cllr Bohan also asked that the Council examine what neighbouring counties are doing in relation to road sweepers.