13/11/2015

'Be Winter Ready' Campaign Launched

Labour TD, Ann Phelan, has launched the fifth annual 'Be Winter Ready' campaign, which aims to provide advice to individuals, communities and businesses to help them prepare for the coming winter.

Minister Phelan was joined by Simon Coveney and Paschal Donohoe to launch the new campaign.

Minister Phelan said: "While I am sure we all still remember the two episodes of severe cold in 2010, more recent severe weather emergencies have been characterised by heavy rainfall and consequent flooding, and in late 2013/early 2014 by a series of severe Atlantic storms that persisted for over 2 months.

"These storms were a combination of strong winds, heavy rain and, during late January and early February they combined with extremely high tides tocause widespread damage and disruption particularly on the West, South West, South and South East coasts. In contrast last winter proved to be relatively benign, and hopefully similar weather patterns prevail for the coming months.

"The 2013 winter however, served to demonstrate the unpredictability of the Irish weather where, as we all know, it is even possible to experience all four seasons in a single day. It underlined the powerful forces of nature that can be unleashed and further emphasises the need to be prepared for all weather related eventualities.

"Drawing on the experience of previous years and lessons learned, both central and local government are prepared and ready to respond to severe weather events and to work quickly to restore society's normal functioning."

(MH/CD)

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