No reduction in council staff due to patching units

Concerns were raised recently that jet patching machines used in the repair of potholes may result in the decrease of council staff.

Speaking at a meeting of the Dungarvan Lismore District this week, West Waterford councillor Seamus O’Donnell spoke out about his concerns regarding the machines.

“Personally speaking I would be completely against the like of them. We have outdoor staff, full time on trucks, and filling potholes,” Cllr O’Donnell said.

Cllr O’Donnell went on to question the efficiency and effectiveness of the patching machines.

“The jet patcher couldn’t keep up with the like of council staff,” he added.

AIMING FOR ‘EFFICIENCY’

With Waterford City and County Council operating three patching units from their machinery yard in Dungarvan, Senior Engineer Gabriel Hynes disagreed with sentiments expressed by Cllr O’Donnell.

Mr Hynes stated that the patching units are ‘highly efficient’.

“They are very, very efficient and the quality of the work from those patching units has proven to be very satisfactory,” Mr Hynes added.

Continuing, Cllr O’Donnell questioned the cost of the machines and reiterated fears regarding a loss in the council’s outdoor staff.

“If we go that road, we’re doing away with staff from the council. We’re doing away with trucks from the council,” he said.

Senior Engineer Gabriel Hynes assured councillors that patching units would not be replacing council staff, as he noted that the aim of such machines is to achieve ‘greater efficiency’.

He also confirmed that patching machines cost in the region of €350,000 and are grant aided by the department to the tune of €100,000.