Insurance red tape could see Galway voluntary sector wound up in knots

Galway County Council would kill the voluntary sector overnight if rules requiring safety plans and insurance to indemnify the local authority are enforced.

That’s the warning from Loughrea Councillor Jimmy McClearn who said he “saw red” when reading a circular from the council about voluntary and community activities on roads, amenity areas and public places under the charge of the council.

The circular sets out for the first time what is now required from community and voluntary groups such as Tidy Towns committees, residents associations and sporting groups before they set out to improve their local environment.

A written outline of the work must be submitted of their proposals detailing the locations, the time schedule and the number of people involved and whether they are part of a Community Employment Scheme or volunteers. The municipal district engineer must then agree in writing to the plan.

The community or voluntary group must provide written confirmation it has public liability insurance up to €6.5 million for a single incident and employers’ liability up to €12.7 million.

They must also sign a statement that all of the work or services will be carried out in compliance with health and safety legislation.

“This effectively means that all involved must have appropriate training, signage, equipment and properly developed and appropriate safety plans. The community groups and voluntary agencies must comply with the requirements of documents such as the Guidance Document for Control and Management of Traffic at Roadworks where appropriate,” the circular states.

“Whilst Galway County Council will make every effort to assist these projects, failure to comply or ensure ongoing compliance with the requirements of the above will prevent a project commencing or cause it to be stopped without notice,” it continues.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.