National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on potentially disruptive wintry weather
- Published on: 3 January 2025
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and a range of other stakeholders met this morning to discuss the potentially disruptive wintry weather forecasted for the next few days.
Met Éireann is predicting very cold and icy conditions over the coming days with rain, sleet and snowfall expected. Parts of the country can expect significant snowfall accumulations leading to:
- very difficult travelling conditions
- poor visibility
- disruption and delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus)
- difficult conditions underfoot
- animal welfare issues
NDFEM is continuing to liaise with Met Éireann and is monitoring the situation.
Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) are monitoring conditions locally and Local Authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has confirmed that adequate salt supplies are in place, and local authorities will continue to salt roads as well as footpaths in urban centres where possible.
The National Transport Authority has confirmed that public transport authorities are on alert in anticipation of potential disruption over the weekend.
Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place
Status Yellow Rain and Snow warning for Cork, Kerry
Valid: 13:00 Saturday to 17:00 Sunday. Localised flooding possible.
Status Orange Snow-Ice warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary
Valid: 17:00 Saturday to 17:00 Sunday
Status Yellow Snow-Ice warning for Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Connacht
Valid: 17:00 Saturday to 17:00 Sunday
Preparedness and advice
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised:
“We are going to see difficult travel conditions for much of the country in the coming days. Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted – so I urge people to slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey. It’s important that drivers travelling longer journeys are aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.
"Footpaths can also be extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice so please take extra care while walking.
“Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so I’d advise people to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.
“With regard to rough sleepers during this wintry spell, the department is communicating with Regional Leads in relation to their Cold Weather Initiatives and has advised them of the expected conditions. Cold Weather Initiatives operate across all local authorities to provide additional emergency beds for rough sleepers where needed – ensuring that additional temporary beds can be brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities, for singles and couples who need them during periods of cold weather.
“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:
- check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours
- people are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather and ensure their mobile phones are 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 the Met Éireann website 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 the PowerCheck website
- monitor HSE updates regarding possible impacts on the delivery of their services
- the Be Winter Ready website provides further advice on preparing for severe weather
- Uisce Éireann Customers can check their 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. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - go to the Uisce Éireann website
- farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone