Thousands to get cm alarms fitted

Carbon monoxide alarms are to be made available to thousands of older and vulnerable people following a major review of a government grant scheme.

The news was announced at the launch of a community safety project in the Blarney St area of Cork City yesterday, where two elderly sisters were saved from almost certain death last month after being overcome by the gas in their home.

Noreen, 82, and Eileen Naughton, 92, are still recovering in Cork University Hospital from their ordeal on November 29 last.

A neighbour, Angela Marshall, raised the alarm before gardaí broke down their door and found them unconscious inside.

In the days afterwards, the Blarney St Community Council was approached by Apex Fire and EI Electronics who agreed to donate 100 carbon monoxide alarms for homes in the area. Work on the installation of those alarms began yesterday.

But minister of sate with responsibility for the elderly, Kathleen Lynch, told the launch yesterday that the near tragedy involving the Naughton sisters has prompted a review of the Government’s fire alarm and personal safety alarm scheme, overseen by the departments of the Environment and Social Protection.

She said the review, which also began yesterday and will take about six weeks, will lead to the inclusion of carbon monoxide alarms in the nationwide scheme.

“Clearly, the very near tragedy we had in this area shows that we need to put these alarms into the homes of the elderly and vulnerable,” Ms Lynch said.

“Tragedy was averted here last month because of neighbourliness and the sense of community in the area.

“What happened here has taught each and every one of us a lesson and it has taught the rest of the country a lesson.”

Supt Con Cadogan welcomed the local scheme and encouraged people to check on elderly neighbours over the festive season.

Tom Coleman, the chairman of the Blarney St Community Council, said he hopes the community safety scheme will ensure there is no repeat of the near tragedy last month.

“We also hope that it will raise awareness of the dangers posed by carbon monoxide,” he said.

Tom Butler, regional manager of Apex Fire Ltd, said he was delighted to support the alarm scheme in the Blarney St area.