Members of the public are being urged to keep an eye on older neighbours in the coming days, as a result of the poor weather conditions that are expected.

Met Eireann has warned that it will be exceptionally cold over the coming week, with severe frost and significant snowfall in parts of the country, particularly the east and south east.

ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, has warned that cold temperatures can have a serious effect on many older people, especially those living on their own, those with limited mobility and those with health issues.

"Following a very serious cold weather forecast by Met Éireann, we are calling on all members of the public to remember their older neighbours living alone and to consider their needs. We're advising older people to stay warm in the cold weather by ensuring they have adequate home heating, wearing layers of light but warm clothing, eating at least one hot meal a day and staying indoors where possible," commented ALONE CEO, Sean Moynihan.

He is appealing to the public to look out for older people in the community who may be ill or simply lonely. He is also appealing to older people to prioritise their spending on heating during the cold weather.

ALONE has volunteers and staff ready to offer assistance and can advise on issues relating to heating, food and medication. For more information, call (01) 679 1032 or click here