Praise is due to Council staff for their work during this prolonged cold spell: MoS Áine Brady

I would like to pay tribute to the Staff of Kildare County Council and othe other Councils around the country for all their work during this prolonged cold spell. Weather of this severity and duration has not been seen since 1963 in Kildare and the frontline staff are providing very valuable service to our community.

Local authorities are mobilising all of their available resources to address the current difficulties. I appreciate that the supply of Salt is an on-going challenge, despite Kildare Co Co getting some extra supplies earlier this week.

The Defence Forces have mobilised staff and equipment which can be made available to local authorities on request. Minister Eamon Ó Cuiv has directed that personnel from the Rural Social Scheme be made available to assist locally.

As the Cold Spell continues, I would urged older people to take extra care during the current cold spell and I have asked the public to make a special effort to keep an eye on their older neighbours and relatives, particularly those living alone.

The HSE have published an information booklet 'Keep Warm Keep Well' and I have advised that particular attention be paid to the sections on keeping active and warm. The HSE information booklet 'Keep Warm Keep Well' is available from the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850 or from the HSE website.

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