Volunteers Distribute 4,500 Litres of Tipperary Water to Storm Affected Homes

Volunteer teams from the Irish Red Cross have distributed 4,500 litres of bottled mineral water donated by Tipperary Water to families left without power and drinking water after last week’s storms.  Teams distributed the water to homes in the worst affected areas of Cork, Clare, Tipperary and Limerick over the weekend.

Irish Red Cross volunteers have been active in response to the severe weather since Saturday 1st February, when the storms first hit, working with local communities to evacuate and help those affected by flooding.   The charity is also working closely with Community Welfare Service within the Department of Social Protection to identify those most in need of assistance from the Irish Red Cross Ireland Floods Appeal.

The Irish mineral water company worked hand in hand with the Irish Red Cross to ensure that people living in isolated areas, as well as older residents and those with medical problems received drinking water. Fintan Breen, Head of National Services at the Irish Red Cross, said, “Access to drinking water can make a huge difference to families.  Our volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the Tipperary Water reached as many households as possible”.  Focus then moved to the wider affected area, including areas with boil water notices.  Water was also distributed in Rossmore, near Clonakilty, where water supplies were affected by power outages.

The Irish mineral water company was keen to lend a hand after witnessing the predicament of the families hit worst by the recent spate of bad weather.  Laura Faulkner, Tipperary water brand manager, commented, “Many households are really struggling due to the affects of the storms.  Whilst we can’t deliver mineral water to every home, we can do our bit by offering some complimentary bottles to people who need it most.  The Irish Red Cross’ volunteer network meant we were able to reach people who needed the water quickly.”

• Residents in flood affected areas that wish to apply for grant assistance from the Irish Red Cross Ireland Floods Appeal should first contact their local Community Welfare Office (www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/otheroffice/community-welfare-office-contact.aspx).

• The Irish Red Cross has an extensive network of volunteers throughout Ireland who act as an auxiliary to the State.  Irish Red Cross volunteers provide assistance in the form of first aid, ambulance cover, and evacuation support using special 4×4 vehicles.
• Tipperary Natural Mineral Water has grown to become a major national and international brand whose name is synonymous with quality. We are family owned and form part of the Gleeson Group, Ireland’s largest independent manufacturer of soft drinks. Today, the company employs over seven hundred people throughout Ireland