Press release
Update from the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) at 19.00hrs on Friday 2 March 2018
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 NECG met again this afternoon to review the severe weather situation and was joined by Minister Eoghan Murphy and Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran. Ministers Simon Harris, Damien English and Paul Kehoe joined the meeting by teleconference.
Snow is continuing to fall and will persist overnight and into tomorrow morning.
A Red Level weather warning remains in place for Meath, Kildare, Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow. The status of the weather warnings will be kept under review.
This weather event is ongoing and the south east appears to be particularly badly affected at present.
The key public safety message remains to not undertake travel other than in exceptional circumstances, particularly in moving towards areas where RED Level warnings are in place where conditions continue to deteriorate.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Local Authorities have been working to keep motorways open but this is challenging in areas where snow is still falling as fast, or faster than can be cleared. Keeping the M50 clear where it runs through foothills of Dublin Mountains is particularly challenging.
Public transport operators are working today to get limited services back up tomorrow
Local coordination committees in every county are working to manage the situation locally and to begin restoration of services where possible.
ESB Networks are dealing with a series of faults on the network and are endeavouring to restore supply in affected areas.
Issues are emerging with regard to staffing of essential services, particularly in light of transport difficulties, and the HSE, local authorities and transport operators are liaising to ensure necessary arrangements are put in place where possible.
No unnecessary travel for safety reasons on our roads.
Those that must make necessary journeys exercise caution.
ESB lines: Never touch fallen cables.
Freezing slips and falls – wear appropriate clothing and only venture out when it safe to do so.
Check on vulnerable neighbours.
Clear footpaths outside homes and businesses.