North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the launch this week of two new initiatives through Muintir na Tíre which will make people safer in their homes. One initiative will support the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly, isolated and vulnerable people throughout rural Ireland, while a new mobile app, Cairde, will help vulnerable people to live safely in their homes.
The initiatives were launched by Cllr. O’Shea’s colleague Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development. Cllr. O’Shea said: “Alarms will be supplied to Muintir na Tíre groups who will install them in people’s homes on a voluntary basis. Minister Ring has allocated €115,000 to support this initiative through the Dormant Accounts Fund which is administered by his Department.
“The Cairde app will feature integration with the Community Text Alert system for people to receive Garda alerts, community messaging to allow communities communicate with each other and a panic button to allow people summon help from designated neighbours, family or friends.
“The Community Alert structure includes over 1,400 community groups throughout the country, with a focus on community safety. The pilot programme will seek to fit out 2,000 homes, at an average cost of only €57 per home. A total of €115,000 has been allocated to support this initiative,” said Cllr. O’Shea.
Speaking in relation to the installation of Carbon Monoxide alarms in people’s homes, Minister Ring commented: “Many elderly, isolated or vulnerable people can benefit from this support, which will see the retrofitting of their homes with Carbon-Monoxide Alarms. This funding will complement the already established Community Smoke Alarm Scheme funding so that a suite of safety measures will be available to those who otherwise might not be able to afford them.”
Speaking in relation to the new Cairde mobile app, Minister Ring said: “This valuable service is funded through my Department’s Dormant Accounts Fund and empowers people and communities to become safer and more connected than ever before, and to stay in their homes for longer, even in remote areas.”
Application details for Carbon Monoxide alarms will be available on www.muintir.ie/community-development/carbon-monoxide-alarms. Further information on the Cairde app is available at www.cairdeapp.ie.
