Ireland Sees Surge in Demand for Emergency Radios and Lamps After Government Booklets

Demand for wireless radios and battery-powered lamps has surged in Ireland following the government's "Be Emergency Ready" campaign, which sent preparedness booklets to 2.2 million households. Shops report a "massive" increase in sales over the last couple of months. The booklets advise households to stock non-perishable food, water, torches, batteries, radios, medicines, and important documents for power cuts, flooding, and other emergencies. Retailers on Dublin's Capel Street, including Lenehan's, have added emergency radios to window displays and report customers arriving with the booklet in hand. The initiative follows a broader European push for emergency preparedness. Emergency solar radios cost between €40 and €60, while battery-powered lamps range from €10 to €20. Portable gas stoves have also seen increased demand, and some shops recommend battery-powered lights over solar versions due to reliability.