Advice to Early Learning and Care and School-age Childcare Services regarding Storm Debi

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has this evening issued the following notice to all Early Learning and Care and School-age Childcare service providers regarding Storm Debi.

Dear Providers

Met Eireann issued a Status red wind warning at 3pm this afternoon 12/11/23 for Clare, East Galway, South Roscommon, Offaly and Westmeath and an Orange Wind warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Roscommon. The warning is currently valid from 02:00 Monday 13/11/2023 to 10:00 Monday 13/11/2023.

Storm Debi is a complex system, with the potential for high impact overnight and into the morning and commuting time, bringing heavy thundery rainfall and strong gusting winds.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met today Sunday 12th to consider the information received from Met Éireann. Following a request from the Group, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth requests all Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare settings to delay opening in orange and red counties until 10am tomorrow morning Monday 13 November to ensure public safety.

All services should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.