Defence

Winter Readiness remains a priority for in Wicklow – Doyle

graham 2015, Dáil Éireann, Defence, Wicklow - East Carlow

WinterReadyBookletCoverAndrew 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.”

L.E. Orla will be berthed alongside Arklow this Friday

graham 2013, Defence, Wicklow - East Carlow

On the 29th of November 2013 at 2:00pm, the L.E Orla will be berthed alongside Arklow.

Deputy Doyle explains “L.É. Orla is a Peacock-class patrol vessel in the Irish Naval Service. Like the rest of her class, she was originally designed for use by the British Royal Navy in Hong Kong waters, and was delivered in 1985 by Hall, Russell & Company as HMS Swift. She is the sister ship to LÉ Ciara and her name comes from the daughter of Brian Boru.”

“In July 2007, the L.É. Orla assisted in Operation Seabight which resulted in the largest seizure of cocaine in the history of the state. Operation Seabight, is the codename used to describe the tracking and eventual seizure of up to €750 million of cocaine off the Irish coast in November 2008, thought to have been the largest such haul in the history of Ireland and one of the largest in Europe in 2008.”

”The Naval Service operates two Coastal Patrol Vessels. Due to their high speed and shallow draught these vessels are ideal for patrolling close to Ireland’s coastline. During their service these vessels have been involved in some of the largest seizures of narcotics and arms in Irish History and continue to guard our coast and it is a great honour for them to visit Arklow this week.”

“I welcome the this visit to Arklow and it’s a great opportunity to come and visit and see first-hand the operation of an active naval vessel charged with protecting the waters of Irelands coastline.”