The Government has launched the ‘Be Winter-Ready’ 2018 -2019 Information Campaign focusing this year on building strong communities and looking out for the vulnerable.
The ‘Be Winter-Ready’ campaign is intended to raise awareness about the particular challenges that winter can present. This is now an established and important annual event impacting across the whole public service.
The campaign highlights the ‘Whole of Government’ approach being taken to winter preparations. This sort of approach was seen during recent storms Ophelia, Emma, and Ali, which posed challenges for communities, businesses, Government Departments and Agencies.
Importantly, the ‘Be Winter-Ready’ campaign informs the public of what is being done in relation to winter preparations and where they can source valuable information that can assist them through a difficult period.
The Office of Emergency Planning, in collaboration with their colleagues in the Department of Rural and Community Development, have designed and produced a leaflet on building strong communities. This leaflet is available on winteready.ie.
This year’s leaflet emphasises the role of local residents’ associations and community alert groups to prepare community responses to emergencies. It also encourages people to consider particularly vulnerable neighbours; for example, older people, families with young children, and people with disabilities or mobility problems.
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport support
The severe winter of 2017/18 saw over 200,000 tonnes of salt used across our national, regional and local roads. Transport Infrastructure Ireland prepared in advance to ensure an adequate supply of salt was available and has continued to work with Local Authorities in advance of this winter. This year, 258,000 tonnes of salt are nationally available.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ross said; “I ask all road users to be safe and be seen. If you’re walking or cycling, wear High Vis items and make sure you have proper lighting. If you’re driving, wear your seat belt, don’t use a mobile phone and keep within the speed limit.
As winter is also a time of celebration and Christmas cheer, I would urge all motorists; if you’re having a drink, please, please leave the car at home. It’s just not worth the risk.”
Minister Ross continued “Winter Ready is all about being prepared. Whatever weather may be ahead of us this winter, I would ask all transport users to be aware of conditions around them and to heed the safety advice being given to them.”
Dublin Bus will work with all agencies, Local Authorities and other operators throughout this winter period to ensure the safe operation of services for our customers. The safety of our employees and customers will, as always, be our number one priority.
Customers can also get updates on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @dublinbusnews or call our customer service line on (01) 8734222, lines open from 08:30 - 18:00hrs (Monday to Saturday excluding bank holidays).