Press release
National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on incoming wintry weather
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann 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 Éireann 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:
NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann 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.
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
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 Éireann and Be Winter Ready websites for further updates and advice.”
Further public safety advice includes:
The Be Winter Ready website provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.