Press release
Statement from the National Emergency Coordination Group on storm Callum
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
In light of the approaching storm Callum, Minister Eoghan Murphy convened a meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) at 3pm today, Thursday 11 October 2018. This meeting was also attended by Ministers Damien English and Paul Kehoe.
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) severe weather team has been working actively with Met Éireann and OPW to monitor and track the evolving storm Callum.
Crisis Management Teams and Local Coordination Groups have been activated in the coastal counties affected by the Orange warning and all local authorities are monitoring the developing situation and making necessary preparations.
Minister Murphy has contacted local authorities to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety of rough sleepers. Cold weather plans have been put in place in Dublin and other main urban centres. Extra emergency beds have been put in place and outreach teams have been on the streets to engage with rough sleepers.
Be aware of local conditions in your area; weather conditions and their impacts can vary significantly from place to place.
Stay away from coastal areas for the duration of the ORANGE warning.
If you need to drive, slow down and drive to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling/fallen trees. Do not drive through flooded areas. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.
Stay away from fallen electricity wires or fallen trees as they may be in contact with electricity wires. Always treat any fallen wires as live. ESB Networks Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850 372999
Decisions regarding school closures will be made by Board of Management of each school.
The Department of Education and Skills has advised that decisions should be made based on local conditions and erring on the side of caution as appropriate.
The NECG will meet again tomorrow, Friday 12 October at 10am to review the impact of storm Callum and to coordinate any response necessary. In the meantime, the relevant authorities and agencies will continue to monitor and respond to the situation throughout the night.