HECTIC CHRISTMAS FOR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES
The emergency services in The Avondhu region have reported a very busy Christmas period. The fire units from Fermoy and Mitchelstown were called to numerous road traffic accidents as motorists struggled to deal with the sub zero temperatures.
“We were very busy in the lead up to Christmas and again immediately after. Christmas Eve was the only quiet time the units had,” Mitchelstown Fire Brigade station officer, Michael Carolan told The Avondhu.
KILBEHENNY HOUSE FIRE
Units from Mitchelstown and Cahir fire brigades were also called to a house fire in Kilbehenny.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and one occupant was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. The fire began at approximately 5am on Monday, December 27,” Mr Carolan said.
ACCIDENT AT FOX’S CROSS
The fire service was also called to various road traffic accidents (RTA) over the Christmas holidays.
“The bad weather led to many RTAs in the region. A woman and a young child were involved in a single vehicle accident at Fox’s Cross. Fortunately the woman and child did not need medical attention.
"In another incident at Marshalstown, a single male driver was taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) after his car left the road and there were several other RTAs reported in the region,” Mr Carolan said.
DRINK DRIVING
Meanwhile Gardai have reported a decrease in the number of drink driving incidents nationwide over the Christmas period.
“During An Garda Siochana’s Christmas and New Year road safety campaign, which ran from November 22 to January 3, 2011, a total of 1,149 drink driving incidents were recorded, which compares to 1,501 for the same period in 2009 / 2010,” a Garda spokesperson said.
However, in Mitchelstown there has been an increase in the number of people stopped suspected of driving while under the influence.
“Drink driving incidents reported over the Christmas period this year are up. Last year there were no incidents in Mitchelstown.
"However, this year, despite the bad weather, there were two people stopped and arrested under the suspicion of driving while over the legal limit. It appears that a small minority continue to put their lives and the well being of others in harm’s way,” Inspector Tony O’Sullivan told The Avondhu.
Published:
Thursday 6th January 5:54pm
