Mid Ulster Council to buy PPE

The proposal was presented to Councillors at April’s monthly meeting of Mid Ulster District Council.

The report outlines a proposal for Council to bulk buy PPE from Council suppliers to the value of £25,000.

It was also made clear that Council will seek to provide the supplies to the 33 care homes across Mid Ulster and engage with Home Care workers and, where possible, support them with a box of PPE as well.

As part of this proposal, Council will also seek to engage with groups and schools making PPE, seeking to link them to local care homes and carers to share across the district.

This proposal was welcomed across the chamber, including Independent Councillor Dan Kerr who also asked if Council could also purchase material to help those individuals who are making PPE from their homes.

“We should donate inventory throughout the Mid Ulster area if we have material in stock,” said Cllr Kerr. “This is a better idea than having community groups competing with one and other.

“Essentially, I would like to see Council provide funding to secure a steady of supply of materials so groups could contact Council directly to secure the supplies they need to make the PPE.”

This call was supported by Councillor Monteith who said: “If you can source the PPE that is good but this proposal is about material.

“There are only so many old duvets up stairs. Anybody who wants to get involved in community efforts to help should be able to and we as a council should be supporting them.”

Sinn Fein councillor Cathal Mallaghan welcomed the proposal and praised the local community’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

“One thing can be said about our community right across Mid Ulster,” said the Cookstown councillor. “The cream has really risen to the top.

“There are a lot of people within Mid Ulster who are doing this purely because they want to help their neighbours and their communities. These groups are also so, so important in terms of activating our community engagement.

“If there are any positives to take from this situation that is certainly one of them – the people of Mid Ulster and their response to this crisis, has been awesome to behold.”

DUP councillor, Francis Burton also welcomed the idea of purchasing the PPE to protect those who need it in Mid Ulster and said “the people of Mid Ulster really have stepped up to the plate”.

Her party colleague, Councillor Kim Ashton welcomed the proposal and said “the community response has been phenomenal”.

The proposal was proposed by Councillor Dan Kerr and seconded by Councillor Barry Monteith.

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