Communities urged to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours during cold spell – Mattie McGrath

Independent TD for Tipperary, Mattie McGrath has urged communities to ensure that their older and vulnerable neighbours remain safe and well in their home as Met Eireann predicts bitter wind, snow and ice for many parts of Ireland this week.

Appealing to communities across the County Deputy McGrath said, “If there is an older or vulnerable person living in your area, particularly if they are living alone or might have trouble getting about, I would encourage you to visit or phone them to check that they are ok – don’t depend on others to do it.

People can be reluctant to look in on neighbours as they don’t want to seem intrusive but experience shows that it is always appreciated and a great source of reassurance for someone to know their neighbours are thinking about them, particularly during extreme weather events.

It can be a very frightening experience to be without, warmth, food or essential items such as medication. I am asking all communities to look out for the older and vulnerable people in your area who may have no family or may be at risk of suffering from fuel poverty, illness or loneliness.

I would also appeal to those travelling in the coming days to continue to monitor warnings from Met Eireann and indeed the Local Authority and to be advised that not all local roads will be treated. Full details of the County Council’s road salting programme can be obtained on the Councils website.”

Deputy McGrath has also supported the members of the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) proposals to offer assistance during the upcoming weather event.

Deputy McGrath said, “The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) have contacted the National Emergency Co-ordination Group for Severe Weather offering their assistance. The FCI are uniquely well placed to offer support to the group in dealing with projected weather issues that are forecast for this week. The FCI throughout Ireland are well-equipped to provide sanding, gritting and snow plough services in every county in Ireland.

With an SMS database of 795 contractors who can be contacted at short notice to provide support to emergency services and Local Authorities, I would urge the National Emergency Co-ordination Group to liaise with the FCI. Their members have in the past provided such services and they have again extended this offer to the National Emergency Co-ordination Group for Severe Weather which would alleviate pressures on the various Local Authorities throughout the Country and be particularly of assistance in more rural and remote areas.

Concluding Deputy McGrath added, “This is a common sense offer to the Emergency Co-ordination Group. All of the FCI members are fully insured to provide services on the public roads and have the experience necessary to deal with weather induced crisis situations, at short notice.”