Gardai in Donegal are reminding the public to keep an eye out for their neighbours and vulnerable people during this time of bad weather. 

The ‘Beast from the East’ is set to clash with Storm Emma later this week, creating a significant adverse weather event that will affect travel, along with freezing conditions.

Donegal’s Crime Prevention officer Sgt Paul Wallace has called on the public to be mindful and to look out for the welfare of older people and persons living alone.

“As a sizeable proportion of our population in Donegal reside in isolated rural mountainous areas it is important to establish contact and maintain contact during the coming days and nights,” Sgt Wallace said. 

Gardai have now issued the following advice as temperatures continue to drop across the county.

  1. Establish contact either by visiting (if possible) or by telephone contact and urge people residing in isolated areas to keep in contact.
  2. Only travel when necessary. Non essential journeys should be kept to a minimum.
  3. If travelling take precautions by tuning into radio / television broadcasts & internet postings which give real time weather and travel information.
  4. Owners of Commercial Premises in the County are advised to ensure their premises are secure and where possible utilise remote viewing of cctv via Smartphone.

If Garda assistance is required make note of the four (4) 24/7 Garda Stations in the County and in cases of emergency 999/112 can be utilised.

24/7 Garda Stations:

  • Letterkenny Divisional Headquarters – 074-91-67100.
  • Milford District Headquarters – 074 – 91 53060. (For areas of North & West Donegal).
  • Buncrana – 074-93 20540. (Inishowen Peninsula).
  • Ballyshannon – 071-98-58530 – (South and West Donegal).

          Useful information and advice is available at www.winterready.ie.