Donegal man who lost his brother to Carbon Monoxide poisoning makes Christmas plea

A Donegal man whose brother died tragically from Carbon Monoxide poisoning is pleading with people to ensure their chimneys and appliances are checked and cleaned this Christmas and that they install Carbon Monoxide alarms.

Glenties farmer and Aontú rep Michael Harkin, says he hopes his brother’s sad and untimely death will serve as a reminder to people and about the silent dangers of Carbon Monoxide.

Michael said: “My brother John (below) died just over two years ago. He was living in London for years but came home every year to our home place in Dunfanaghy. He loved the place.

“This time he had come for an especially happy occasion, his daughter’s wedding.The weather was particularly cold, and the oil range wasn’t working. Relatives lit the fire to ensure the house was warm for John and though they did notice a strong smell, they presumed it was because it wasn’t lit for a long time.

“Unfortunately, unknown to them all, crows had nested in the chimney and blocked it and the fumes filled the house, killing John. We were all devastated; what was a joyous time had turned into a time of terrible darkness.

“I really hope that our family tragedy will serve as a salutary reminder to people to clean their chimneys as Christmas too is such a joyous time, and people who may not normally light their fires on a regular basis, do so at Christmas. Checking chimneys for crow’s nests is absolutely vital.

“It is also crucial that people fit Carbon Monoxide alarms as this alerts them to the presence of fumes.

“Carbon Monoxide is not known as the ‘silent killer’ for nothing ; it is colourless , odourless and tasteless and that is why alarms are absolutely crucial.

“As a farmer I am also acutely aware that many farmers do leave their tractors and other vehicles running and this can lead to a build-up of noxious gas which can be deadly.

“If people do nothing else for Christmas, get a Carbon Monoxide alarm fitted and give one to an elderly or vulnerable relative or neighbour. It could well end up being the best present you could ever give”.

Michael’s sobering advice is echoed by his Aontú colleague in Donegal, Mary T Sweeney, who has written to Donegal County Council to see if it can promote the importance of installing Carbon Monoxide alarms, cleaning chimneys and servicing gas oil and solid fuel appliances like stoves and ranges.

She said: “Hopefully Donegal Couty Council will act on this. Meanwhile Donegal County Fire Service has responded to my communication saying that it has been in discussion with Age Friendly Ireland for a number of months to agree a memorandum of understanding so that both organisations can work collaboratively.

The Acting Chief Fire Officer has written to me to say that Donegal County Fire Service currently has a number of Carbon Monoxide detectors on order with the intention of distributing them to older and vulnerable people, but it is envisaged that the delivery of the same may not occur until the New Year. As part of its new Community Fire Safety Programme, it conducts Home Fire Safety Visits at the request of owners.

“He said it was their intention to provide advice with regard to carbon monoxide detectors moving forward and it will provide advice will be provided in its Community Fire Safety presentations with regard to Carbon Monoxide”.