ALONE, the charity that supports older people, has appealed to any older person across Ireland to seek support if they are in need as a cold snap is set to bring plummeting temperatures across the country.
The charity's CEO, Sean Moynihan, said: "We're asking people to look out for the older and more vulnerable members of the community.
"Please stay in touch with older friends, family and neighbours. It's vital that homes are kept warm and comfortable, particularly for those with underlying health difficulties, which can be exacerbated by the cold weather."
The forecaster said the cold snap is set to continue to the end of the next week.
Mr Moynihan told RTÉ's Drivetime that as the cold snap approaches, "now is not the time to worry" about heating bills.
He said: "We know that around 30% of over-65s live on their own and we know people suffer high levels of energy poverty but now is not the time to worry about.
"If people need support they should prioritise the heating because unfortunately, after the cold snap, an awful lot of people can get sick and ill and if somebody gets ill from the cold and or from a fall or trip or broken hip or something, it's a long way back if they ever get back at all.
"Utility companies in the past have been very supportive after cold snaps and we can negotiate and advocate and work with people to find resolutions to those type of issues."
In a statement, Mr Moynihan urged older people to contact the service if they are concerned ahead of the cold weather.
"If you’re an older person concerned about using your heating because of the cost of energy, or if you know someone in that situation, you can call ALONE on 0818 222 024, seven days a week from 8am or 8pm.
"There are supports available from ALONE and other organisations, please get in touch and if you have concerns or need any information about keeping older people safe during this cold spell," Mr Moynihan added.
People sleeping rough face 'dire conditions'
Homeless charity Tiglin has said people who are sleeping rough face "dire conditions" due to freezing temperatures.
The charity urged members of the public to report anyone they are concerned about to their local authority.
Dublin residents can use the 'Dublin Rough Sleeper App' to notify the relevant authorities of the location of a person of concern.
The charity stressed that the situation is particularly acute for people seeking international protection who are still acclimatising to Irish winter weather.
"As temperatures plummet, lives are at stake," said Tiglin Chairman Aubrey McCarthy.
"Rough sleepers and asylum seekers are not just battling the cold - they are fighting for survival.
"Let us not forget the homeless, the unhoused during this high risk time."
