Wintry weather and winds cause havoc
An arctic weather event known as ‘The Beast from the East’ coupled with Storm Emma led to major disruption across Ireland as temperatures plummeted last week. Schools in Co. Roscommon closed early last Wednesday with many remaining closed on Thursday and Friday while a number of events in the county were also cancelled.
A Red weather warning was put in place for Leinster, Munster and extended to Connacht following heavy snowfalls last Thursday and Friday.
Road-users were advised to take extreme care as roads became treacherous nationwide with local authorities urging motorists to avoid unnecessary journeys. An Orange alert was valid across Connacht from 8 pm on Thursday, but was raised to a Red alert on Friday morning.
Roscommon Civil Defence were placed on standby to provide transport and assistance during the cold weather until roads cold be cleared by Roscommon County Council on Friday and Saturday.
Senator Frank Feighan had urged communities throughout the county to be extra-vigilant as the wintry weather dominated national headlines.
“This is a time where all of us need to be especially vigilant when it comes to the welfare of elderly people, especially those living in more remote areas.
“I know of a recent case where vital home help services for an elderly woman living in an area with poor access were disrupted because of the recent snow.
“With weather conditions set to deteriorate, all of us must be extra conscious of older people at this time,” he said.
