The Government of Ireland has launched its annual ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign for 2024-2025, with the primary objectives of providing practical advice on how best to prepare for winter; ensuring the public are aware of where advice and help can be found; reassuring people that arrangements are in place to ensure that a coordinated response to severe weather events.
October 31st, 2024
Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting, Eoin Sherlock, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell TD, at the launch of the Be Winter Ready campaign. Picture credit: Damien Eagers / Julien Behal Photography
Reflecting this coordinated and ‘whole of Government’ approach, Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting, Eoin Sherlock, yesterday joined Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell TD, for the official launch at the National Emergency Coordination Centre in Dublin.
The dedicated campaign website – winterready.ie – provides information and advice from a variety of sources, including Government Departments and Agencies, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, the Office of Public Works, local authorities and transport providers, as well as a digital booklet of relevant details.
Speaking at the launch, Eoin Sherlock outlined Met Éireann’s role in delivering forecasts, advisories and warnings over the course of the winter months, as well as highlighting the relevant information and services provided through the Met Éireann website and mobile application.
Also addressing assembled members of the media, Minister Lawless encouraged everyone to take time to visit winterready.ie, review the safety advice provided and “ensure that they and their households can be prepared, stay safe, and know where to find help if needed when we experience weather extremes during the winter months ahead.”
For his part, Minister Kieran O’Donnell focused on the structured response to winter weather conditions, namely flooding. “In the event of a flood, the local authorities and emergency services will provide the principal response at a local level and people should always follow their instructions. Individuals and communities can also play an important role in reducing the impact of flooding by being aware of flood risks and by taking the time to make the appropriate preparations in advance,” he explained.
For more information on the Be Winter Ready Campaign, visit winterready.ie and keep an eye out for the #bewinterready hashtag on social channels.