Statement from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on Severe Weather

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management’s Crisis Management Team conducted a virtual coordination meeting today with Met Éireann, the Office of Public Works, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Government Departments and agencies.

Met Éireann have issued a Yellow Wind Warning and have indicated that through Tuesday and for a time on Wednesday, an Atlantic depression named Storm Barra will bring very strong winds and spells of heavy rain across Ireland.

Winds will be strongest in western coastal counties with severe or damaging gusts possible. Heavy rain will also bring the possibility of localised flooding. There will also be high waves at sea and a significant possibility of coastal flooding, especially along southern and western coasts, with a high tide advisory issued by the OPW commencing Tuesday 7th until Wednesday 8th December 2021.

There is an expectation that Met Éireann will issue further warnings in advance of Storm Barra as the likely impacts become clearer. The public are asked to monitor Met Éireann for updated warnings and information and heed Local Authority advice during this time. Local Authorities have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Co-ordination Groups and Coastal flood defences are being put in place.

The Irish Coast Guard, RSA, An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and NDFEM are communicating public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Éireann.

The key public safety messages are:

1. Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings

2. All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.

3. As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.

4. The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410

5. Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.

NDFEM Crisis Management Team will continue to actively monitor this evolving situation working with Met Éireann, OPW and all Local Authorities.

NDFEM was set up in 2009. They are a section in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage who co-ordinate emergency responses and give support to the Irish Fire Service.

ENDS

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: press@housing.gov.ie

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

An Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Teach an Chustaim, Baile Átha Cliath 1. D01 W6X0

Custom House, Custom House Quay, Dublin D01 W6X0