National Emergency Coordination Group meets as flooding situation stabilises

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met again today (Saturday) to assess the flood situation and continue to coordinate the response to the impacts of recent flooding.

While weather conditions are forecast to improve over the weekend and should allow for some reduction in river levels, the NECG and responding agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.

Clean-up and repair operations are underway in areas that have been affected by flooding.

Road closures and diversions are in place in some areas. The public are urged to drive with care, allow for disruption when travelling and plan extra travel time. Do not bypass ‘Road Closed’ signs or drive through floodwater; turn back and use another route. Disruption to transport services is possible and the public is advised to check with operators before their journey.

People are also urged to check their local authority website and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.

Some showers and lighter spells of rain are forecast for the days ahead so monitoring of local weather forecasts via www.met.ie and river levels via www.waterlevel.ie is advised, particularly where existing levels are above bankfull conditions.

Government supports are available to those directly impacted by flooding. Financial supports are available to households, businesses, and voluntary, community, and sporting organisations.

Full information is available at gov.ie/FloodResponse.

Supports available to those affected by flooding

Local response teams

If you are affected by flooding and in need of help, you should contact your local authority. Out-of-hours emergency numbers are in operation. Contact details are available on local authority websites.

Emergency Response Payment for households

An Emergency Response Payment is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding. Community Welfare Officers are active on the ground in affected areas to support the humanitarian response. Any household affected by severe weather can access this support by contacting the Community Welfare Service on 0818 60 70 80. The deadline to apply for Stage 1 of this scheme has been extended to February 18th.

Full details of the scheme and how to apply are available at www.gov.ie/FloodResponse.

Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme

An Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme is open for small businesses and community, voluntary and sports organisations affected by flooding. In recognition of the severe impact of flooding on many small businesses and other organisations, the upper limit for payments under the scheme has been increased from €20,000 to €100,000 for the most impacted premises. Eligibility for the Scheme has also been extended to organisations of up to 50 employees.

The Scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and full details and application forms are available here.

Helpline for psychological support and information

The Irish Red Cross has set up a helpline to provide support to distressed people affected by flooding. The helpline is available 9am to 6pm daily at 01-6424648. Trained volunteers are available to talk to those who are in distress. The helpline can also signpost and direct callers to information on the financial support schemes available.

Animal welfare

For animal welfare issues connected with the flooding, farmers are advised to keep in touch with their agricultural advisor or contact their local Regional Veterinary Office or the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Animal Welfare Helpline animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie or phone: 01 607 2379.

Public safety advice

The public is urged to continue to be alert for flooding:

• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts - conditions may change quickly. Visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources.
• Check local authority websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
• Allow for disruption when travelling. Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.
• Do not bypass Road Closed signs – the road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk.
• Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
• Check with Transport Operators when planning journeys.
• Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.
• Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
• Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide.
• The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.”
• Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. in regards to power restoration times.
• Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.

Up to date information on the emergency response is available at www.gov.ie/FloodResponse.