Lisburn Special School Neglected: Stormont Apologizes

A Stormont department has issued an apology to a Lisburn special school for failing to provide necessary road gritting in icy conditions.

Meeting Between Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and the Department for Infrastructure

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) held a special meeting with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to address concerns about winter services for vulnerable members of society. Concerns arose from the lack of seasonal road gritting at Brookfield School, leading to difficulties for both pupils and emergency services in icy conditions. However, DfI has refused to grit the road, claiming the need for a 'fundamental review' of their policy.

Council Member's Disappointment

At the meeting, Castlereagh East DUP representative John Laverty expressed his disappointment at the situation. He highlighted the importance of ensuring safe travel for the most vulnerable members of society who attend the school, emphasizing the difficulties faced in inclement weather without gritting. Laverty called out the administrative error as unacceptable and pressed for better solutions to support the school.

DfI's Response

Colin Woods, the DfI deputy secretary, offered an apology for the oversight, attributing it to key staff being off work for an extended period. He explained the challenges in providing comprehensive winter service coverage due to budget constraints, noting that the proximity of the school to a gritted road limited DfI's action. Woods expressed understanding of the frustrations but indicated that a policy review to expand coverage would require additional resources.

Call for Collaboration

In response, the council representative urged collaboration between the council, DfI, and the Minister to address the issue. He criticized the lack of funding as an unacceptable excuse and advocated for prioritizing the safety of school attendees and supporters during the winter months.