Motorists throughout Clare and the wider Mid West region are being urged to drive with extreme caution during the current spell of wintry weather.Heavy snowfall across many parts of the County is expected to lead to extremely difficult driving conditions while the return to sub zero temperatures at night will remain in place until the early days of next week at least.
Clare County Council said that seven road gritting crews have been covering 580 kms of road network during the Christmas period. Treated roads include all national, primary and secondary routes, as well as heavily trafficked regional roads. The Council said it hoped to replenish salt supplies later this evening.
According to Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy: “I wish to compliment the outdoor staff of Clare County Council for working throughout the Christmas period in often extremely difficult circumstances to ensure that as many roads as possible were salted and gritted. Motorists should keep to gritted routes where possible.”
Meanwhile, the Mayor has called on neighbours, family and friends of older people to ensure that the elderly, particularly those living alone, are kept warm and have sufficient food during the current period of cold weather.
Mayor Mulcahy noted that fuel poverty affected more than seven per cent of all pensioner households, and older people were sometimes reluctant to use up their electricity and fuel allowances. “Therefore, it is important that people across the County do their bit to assist elderly neighbours and family members”, he added.
Mayor Mulcahy continued, “According to figures from Age Action Ireland some 1,500 to 2,000 more people die in the winter months compared to the rest of the year, due largely to poor housing standards. The percentage of excess deaths in Ireland is 19 per cent, but it is ten per cent in Finland. These figures highlight the importance of checking on elderly relatives and neighbours to make sure that they are warm, have enough food and adequate heating.”
He added: “Older people, particularly those living in isolated areas, are more vulnerable during colder spells of weather. There are a number of simple measures that can be taken by the general public in order to reduce the risk to old people during cold and inclement weather”.
The Mayor explained, “Those who are elderly and living alone should be checked on by neighbours, morning and evening. A special check should be made on those elderly or disadvantaged who are housebound. Practical help can be given by bringing in solid fuel, ensuring the water supply is sufficient and checking that there is sufficient food in the house, including non-perishable foods. Where neighbours are concerned or worried they should contact the appropriate emergency services including the health services.”
Councillor Mulcahy referred members of the public to Age Action Ireland’s website ageaction.ie, which he said featured practical tips and advice.
