An appeal is being made to farmers, fishers and those working outdoors to be extra careful and take precautions due to the current cold spell of weather. The Department of Agriculture is advising that leaks and water from drain pipes should be monitored to avoid ice patches developing. Adequate supplies of salt for gritting yards is also advised and measures to ensure that water supplies to livestock are protected from frost should be put in place. Farmers are advised to avoid working on roofs at this time and to ensure that mobile elevated platforms such as cherry pickers are used where necessary.
The Minister for Agriculture is also encouraging people to check in on neighbours and the elderly even if it is only by telephone in the first instance. The Department is also asking that anyone with Animal Welfare issues connected with severe weather contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare Helpline available at 01 6072379.
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