D Monday, January 11, 2010 News The Big Freeze Cold weather the worst for 40 years Cool for cats: Brother and sister Sumatran tiger cubs Emas and Wanita, born in May, play in the snow in their enclosure at Dublin Zoo yesterday. The tigers, whose species are native to the hot and humid Sumatran jungle, dont seem too bothered by the cold Picture: Maxpix OPERATION Sand Aid has been hailed as a success in Dublin South East. Early on Saturday, a team of volunteers set off from Rathmines to deliver 6,000kgs of sand to residents in the surrounding area in order to grit the footpaths. There was a huge response to the call for people to volunteer to clear their own footpath on behalf of their neighbours, said Cllr Eoghan Murphy, who led the operation. Sand Aid helps clear footpaths Governments scapegoat to face big freeze grilling By Colm Kelpie THE senior civil servant charged with co-ordinating the Governments response to the big freeze will be questioned by TDs and senators this week. Sen Hogan, chairman of the Emer- gency Response Co-ordination Com- mittee, will be questioned tomorrow about the States response to the cold weather, the worst for 40 years. The Labour Party said it was con- cerned Mr Hogan would become the scapegoat for the Governments fail- ure to handle the crisis. Ciarn Lynch, Labours local gov- ernment spokesman, said: I am somewhat concerned that Mr Hogan is being pushed out front by his po- litical masters to take the flak for their failure to get to grips with the current adverse weather conditions. Sen Fleming, Fianna Fil chair- man of the Oireachtas Environment Committee, said members will be demanding an update on the crisis. We will be demanding answers regarding why it has taken so long for them to meet and why so little seems to have been learnt from the experiences of the recent floods, Mr Fleming said. It is clear that there are far too many agencies involved in coping with national crises and this hampers the delivery of an efficient response for the people of Ireland. The Government has been heavily criticised for its handling of the win- try conditions, including Transport Minister Noel Dempseys absence and perceived delays in clearing snow and ice from roads. UCD closes as weather continues UCD has been forced to close as the cold weather continues. The Belfield and Blackrock campuses were closed to all vehicular access and external visitors for the weekend because of health and safety reasons, and will not re-open until tomorrow at the very earliest. A decision will be made today on whether to extend the closure. Student residences and the UCD Veterinary Hospital will remain open, while essential research activity will continue. As it is an exam- marking weekend, students are being advised to check the colleges website for information on collecting papers. Meanwhile, some exams have been postponed at Trinity College. Pets also need care in the cold PET owners have been urged to ensure their animals have enough food and shelter to survive the freezing conditions. The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it has witnessed several cases of neglect and cruelty since the cold snap set in. ISPCA chairwoman Barbara Bent said: We are calling on animal owners and members of the public to be vigilant during the current cold spell and winter months to report any neglect or cruelty to animals to the ISPCA. The charity also advises that dogs not be chained into a kennel, as this restricts the animal from being able to walk around to keep warm. index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html