A STORY in the Limerick Post outlining the fuel poverty experienced by pensioners prompted a Limerick businessman to support a new scheme to deliver subsidised fuel to the elderly in the city and county.
Pat O’Sullivan said that the story warmed his heart to the plight of older people and he contacted Senior Citizens’ Parliament members in Limerick to get the ball rolling.
This week, Pat’s company Greenheat Ltd, incorporating Galtee Fuels, supported by the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament (ISCP) announced details of the new scheme that will ensure regular delivery of cheaper solid heating fuels – including smokeless coal, bottled gas, wooden blocks – to senior citizens.
The scheme which was launched by Mayor Gerry McLoughlin, will ensure that elderly people, particularly those unable to collect fuel and at risk of suffering from cold-induced diseases such as Hypothermia will not have to worry about enough fuel delivered on a regular basis.
Oliver Creighton of the ISCP said that over 650 senior citizens suffer from hypothermia each winter in Ireland and with a colder winter predicted and the potential of further cuts to the fuel allowance, they were looking for a way to alleviate the worry for the elderly.
“Following on an interview given by Oliver and Paul of the ISCP in the Limerick Post, Pat O’Sullivan of Galtee Fuels approached us and we discussed about how he could help”, he explained.
Explaining his motivation in getting involved in the scheme, Pat O’Sullivan said:“It is ridiculous that there are so many vulnerable people at risk of hypothermia as they cannot access proper fuel and heating supplies. The idea behind this scheme is to ensure anyone, who through incapacitation or other reasons, is unable to source or collect their fuel, will have a personalised delivery service agreed with Greenheat Ltd,
It’s hoped that the Limerick pilot scheme will lead to a roll-out nationally at a later date. Application forms for the scheme are available from Galtee Fuels on 069 65200 or [email protected]
Kieran O’Brien
Director
