Homeless charities terrified lows of -10C forecast in coming week will cause deaths
Homeless charities fear that sub-zero temperatures will be detrimental for those living on the streets
Homeless charities fear people could die on the streets as Ireland is set to be hit with extremely cold weather with lows of -10C in store.
This January could be the coldest on record as “significant” snowfall is in forecast. Lows of -5C are expected in parts of the country as a yellow low temperature warning is in place for the whole country from 6pm Thursday until 11am on Friday.
Met Éireann is urging people to be cautious while driving or walking on icy paths as a week of Siberian weather will come with treacherous travelling conditions. A meeting was due to take place with the national forecaster and the Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams on Thursday as sub-zero temperatures could wreak havoc on the country.
READ MORE: Ireland weather warning: 'Disruptive' snow to wreak havoc as Met Eireann warns of -10C temperatures
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Homeless charities are also terrified that sub-zero temperatures will be detrimental for those living on the streets, and it could cause death. Glenda Harrington from Friends Helping Friends, a charity that provides food and essentials for homeless people in Dublin, said all they can hope for is no deaths as the bitterly cold snap commences.
She said: “I'd advise people to buy any homeless people food/hot drinks, especially any who would be scared to use the hostels or cannot secure a bed through the freephone. Myself and the other groups will be out all this week with hot food, tents, sleeping bags and warm clothes so we ask people if they see anyone who might need us to let them know.
“It's absolutely awful and of course, no emergency plans are put into place. We can just hope for no deaths.” South County Council has asked if anyone in Dublin sees a person sleeping rough during these bitterly cold conditions to call the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive.
Portlaoise Action To Homeless has advised anyone sleeping rough to call the homeless hotline on 1800 707 707 and if they are unable to get a bed to present to a Garda Station.
A spokesperson for the charity added: "Unfortunately, some will still be sleeping outdoors. We recommend cardboard under their sleeping bag, an emergency foil blanket if possible, hat and gloves and try to get under a shelter.
"It's heartbreaking to know that people will sleep outdoors tonight as they have no choice. We hope they all stay safe and our thoughts are with them always but especially in cold conditions."
Help Our Homeless, a Cavan-based charity said: "There’s no doubt it’s going to be a very tough few days for our homeless and we just hope that they will survive it, we will have extra supplies and teams out over the coming days to try and help keep them warm and alive during this bitter spell!"
While below-average temperatures are forecast for the weekend, “bitterly cold” conditions are expected next week as an arctic airmass will hit the country. On Tuesday night, extremely cold weather is forecast with temperatures expected to fall to between -10C and -3C degrees.
Met Éireann forecaster Brandon Creagh has warned that these low temperatures will bring hazardous conditions, especially on roads and footpaths.
He said: “The main roads will be salted and gritted and they will be prepared for that. Sub roads near waters that could easily freeze and untreated services such as cycle paths and footpaths people need to be aware of, especially tomorrow morning.
“It could be quite treacherous in parts and for parts of the northwest heading into the weekend if people are heading out on any walks over the hills they should take care.”
Mr Creagh said a low-pressure system that’s getting closer to the country from the southwest will bring sleet and snow, especially over the midland counties and the northwest.
Local councils across the country are urging motorists to take extreme care as ice will cause hazardous conditions for roads. Cork County Council said even when roads are gritted drivers need to slow down, allow extra time for their journey and be aware of other road users.
Pedestrians are being urged to walk slower and more carefully, as paths will be extremely hazardous. The public is also being asked to keep their phones charged in case their electricity is compromised and to dial 999 or 112 if there is an emergency.
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