National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management statement on Storm Amy

Storm Amy was a significant storm that impacted across all of Ireland with the West and Northwest particularly badly affected. Damage assessments are being carried out by response agencies at local level. Initial reports indicate localised surface flooding in many areas with significant numbers of trees down in the West, North West, North East and Midlands.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened both the National Severe Weather Humanitarian Group and the National Severe Weather Critical Infrastructure Group on Saturday morning. These groups bring together the various stakeholders who will be responding across all sections to the aftermath of Storm Amy.

Storm Amy has resulted in significant damage to electricity supply, some localised flooding, impact on communication networks, and some roads blocked or damaged by fallen trees. Significant work is underway to address those issues. In some areas, homes and businesses have been impacted, and the priority for all agencies is to provide the necessary support to those who have been affected. The restoration of all services remains the focus for utilities over the weekend.

Providing the necessary assistance to the people impacted by the storm is the priority of the National Severe Weather Humanitarian Group. Any householder affected by the storm, with an urgent financial need, should contact the Community Welfare Service by emailing has@welfare.ie

Local Authorities are responding throughout the affected areas and ask for the continued cooperation of all communities while they undertake the necessary works to open roads and respond to incidents. Nationally, all road users are being advised to be aware of the dangers that may remain following the storm, such as downed pylons, lines, trees, branches, and other debris, which could block roads. Obey any road closures or diversions put in place by local authorities and An Garda Síochána.

An Important Public Safety Message: ESB Networks reminds the public to Stay Safe and Stay Clear of Fallen Electricity Wires. If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to the electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

Met Éireann have issued Status Yellow Marine weather warnings currently in place for Saturday and the latest information is available on www.met.ie

The NDFEM will continue to meet throughout this period and will continue to liaise with all relevant Departments and agencies and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response. Further meetings of both the National Severe Weather Humanitarian Group and the National Severe Weather Critical Infrastructure Group will take place over the weekend to coordinate the ongoing response and recovery from Storm Amy.

Further public safety advice includes:

• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or 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.
• 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.
• 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 our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.”
• High seas and marine warnings; the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.