Statement from the Department of Transport on Storm Eunice - 17 February 2022

The Department of Transport urges members of the public to heed all public safety messages relating to Storm Eunice. Bringing severe winds and in some places a combination of snow and severe wind, Storm Eunice will make conditions for safe travel very difficult, particularly in red and orange alert areas.

The department would ask people to pay close attention to updates from key transport agencies including the National Transport Authority, Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Bus Éireann.

Those intending to travel by air or ferry should check directly with flight/ferry operators as to the status in case of service disruption.

Sources for accessing information on transport services, road conditions and traffic updates during severe weather are available on the Department of Transport's Be Winter Ready/Contact Information page.

The Department of Education has advised that schools should close in keeping with certain alerts issued by Met Éireann.

The counties under Status Red wind warning are Cork, Kerry, Clare and Waterford. Status Orange snow warnings have been issued for Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Information on school bus services can be found on www.buseireann.ie.

It is important that people stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings and the Irish Coast Guard continue to advise the public to 'Stay High, Stay Dry'.

The department also advises that the public continue to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for updates and to take heed of the following advice:

Heed local authority advice, monitor Met Éireann forecasts for updates.

• shelter in place for the duration of Red Level Warnings
• stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
• necessary travel only in Orange conditions - All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees, electricity cables and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time
• secure all garden furniture and any tented or temporary structures
• keep mobile phones charged
• it is critical that people never ever touch or approach fallen wires, stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damage electricity wires, and contact ESB Networks on 1800 372999