Statement from the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) 18.30 hrs Sat 3 March

The NECG met again this evening to review the severe weather situation and was joined by Ministers Eoghan Murphy and Kevin “Boxer” Moran.

Overall situation developing as forecast. Met Éireann has indicated that temperatures are rising. The southeast and Wexford in particular are still badly affected.

One of the main concerns at this stage is that melt water will lead to flooding, particularly when combined with the rain that is forecast. OPW has indicated that the main flood risk is in small steep catchments, rather than the major rivers.

Drains and gullies may be blocked by snow and debris and local authorities are monitoring for localised flooding in urban areas. The public are asked to be conscious of the risk of flooding to all kinds of property and to be aware that melt water accumulations can cause flooding and leaks into buildings.

The roads situation improving by the hour. The motorway network, with the exception of a number of black spots are clear now. Local authorities are now working to clear secondary roads. Local authorities have engaged contractors and are asking people with appropriately equipped tractors and loading shovels to assist in clearing the major snow drifts on the secondary and local roads.

Public transport is coming back on line by degrees:

Bus Eireann services are operational in most cities (except Waterford) but won’t be operating to schedules
Expressway is operating with slight curtailments but not in the south east
Irish Rail intend to operate to timetable but passengers are advised to check for delays
Dart is operating both north and south
Luas Red Line is operating from Red Cow to the Point
Luas Green Line in not operational yet
Dublin Bus is operating at 50% capacity with restrictions on some routes
Airports are open with bus connections and take-offs and landings but passengers are advised to check with airlines as cancellations and delays persist
Ferry services remain subject to cancellations and delay
Check websites and govie for details

14,000 ESB customers remain without supply connections, 13,000 of these are in Wexford and ESB Networks intend to have all customers reconnected by tomorrow evening

13,000 Irish Water customers are without supply. Irish Water are appealing to all customers to conserve water.

Safety Messages

No unnecessary recreational or social travel should be undertaken in areas where road clearance activities still need to be undertaken

Stay away from downed power lines and report any downed power lines to ESB Networks

Exercise extreme caution if it is necessary go outside on foot. Footpaths remain treacherous with the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Snow can be a dangerous playground for children and adults.

Please check on Vulnerable neighbours.

Businesses and householders are asked to clear footpaths outside their premises.

Watch for flooding – stay away from watercourses over the next few days as river levels will rise in some catchments.

At a household and individual building level, melting snow will cause leaks, may pull down gutters and people should please watch out for snow sliding off roofs.