National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on incoming wintry weather

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and various other stakeholders met this morning to discuss the weather warnings for low temperatures, snow, rain and ice that are currently in place.

Met Eireann is predicting very cold temperatures over the next few days with widespread frost and ice. Parts of the country can also expect significant snowfall accumulations leading to:

• Very difficult travelling conditions
• Poor visibility
• Travel disruption
• Disruption and delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus)
• Difficult conditions underfoot
• Animal welfare issues

NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Eireann and is monitoring the situation.

Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally and Local Authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.

The LGMA has co-ordinated with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to arrange for salt stocks to be distributed to all local authorities.

The National Transport Authority has contacted all public transport authorities in Dublin this morning to confirm that they were activating their winter plans in anticipation of potential disruption tomorrow morning.

Met Eireann weather warnings currently in place

Status Yellow Low Temperature / Ice Warning for Ireland

Valid: 20:00 Wednesday - 10:00 Thursday

Status Yellow - Snow-Ice warning for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Munster, Galway

Valid: 21:00 Wednesday - 12:00 Thursday

Status Orange - Snow-Ice warning for Clare, Limerick, Tipperary

Significant snowfall accumulations expected.

Valid: 00:00 Thursday - 12:00 Thursday

Status Orange - Snow and Rain warning for Cork, Waterford

Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow. Flooding possible.

Valid 00:00 Thursday - 12:00 Thursday

Preparedness and advice

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised:

"Parts of the country may see very difficult travelling conditions over the coming hours. Driving conditions will be hazardous. Even where roads are gritted we are asking drivers to slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey. We also know that footpaths can become extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice, so people should take extra care while walking too.

"I understand that there are 180,000 tonnes of salt stock available for this winter season and that arrangements have been made for salt stocks to be distributed to all local authorities in anticipation of the colder conditions on roads.

"The National Transport Authority have contacted all public transport authorities to confirm that they were activating their winter plans in anticipation of potential disruption tomorrow morning.

"With regard to rough sleepers during this cold spell, the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government's Homeless Unit has been in ongoing communication with Regional Leads in relation to their Cold Weather Responses - advising of the expected cold weather spell and ensuring that they engage with service providers and outreach teams to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place for rough sleepers and users of emergency accommodation. The Department have also provided additional funding to local authorities in order to ensure they have the necessary resources in place to activate their cold weather responses.

"Finally, I would urge all members of the public to take extra care with all activities and to check out the Met Eireann and Be Winter Ready websites for further updates and advice."

Further public safety advice includes:

• Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
• People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and / or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
• ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor https://www.powercheck.ie/

The Be Winter Ready website provides further advice on preparing for severe weather:

ENDS