Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael TD, Wicklow/Carlow East has urged everyone at home, at business, at sea or on farms to take extra care during the continuing winter period and take all safety precautions during the current adverse weather conditions and reminds people to check the valuable information provided on the Governments “Be Winter Ready” 2015/2015 website to assist in being prepared for difficult winter weather.
“Everyday tasks that we often take for granted become more difficult and hazardous in severe weather conditions and while we have not experienced the same number of winter storms as last year, it is important to be take heed of the weather warnings especially in exposed coastal areas.
“For the farming community, 2014 was a bad year for accidents, with 30 deaths reported, the highest since 1992 and the dangers of fishing industry are always to the fore during these winter months. It’s important for these and other sectors to be cautious and to take the necessary and preventative safety measures. Given the focus on farm safety, it is welcome to see the Farm Safety Scheme recently introduced under the Targetted Agricultural Measures Scheme (TAMS) has been well subscribed.
“The main objective of the “Be Winter Ready” campaign is to provide practical advice on how best to prepare for the winter, to ensure people are aware of where advice can be found and to provide reassurance that arrangements are in place to ensure a coordinated response to severe weather events.
“Advice on the website is categorised under various headings including;the Home, Road Safety, Schools, the Farming Community and the Business Sector. The Office of Emergency Planning is tweeting during these winter months and can be followed on @emergencyIE. The conversation can be followed on #bewinterready
“The Wicklow terrain, with its mountains and coastal areas, does present challenges during the winter so I believe it is worthwhile to become familiar with the advice that is available and to be as well- equipped as possible as we all go about our business for the remainder of the winter season.”
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/Carlow East, Andrew Doyle has welcomed the announcement by Enterprise Ireland that Irish companies had a record year in 2014. This included a 27% increase in companies being formed in Wicklow.