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National Emergency Coordination Group update on Severe Weather

12 December 2022

The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) met again this morning (Monday, 12th December) to assess the national and local picture during the ongoing cold weather this week.

 Weather conditions

Met Éireann has advised that temperatures will remain very low for the rest of the week, bringing a range of wintry hazards including severe frost, ice, wintry showers and freezing fog.

A Status Orange freezing fog warning is in place from noon until midnight today in Clare, Connacht, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Limerick, Tipperary. The fog will be dense in places, leading to very hazardous driving conditions.

A Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning will remain in place for the entire country all week.

Current indications suggest a return to milder conditions at the weekend.

 

Key updates

  • The public transport system continues to operate but may be a bit slower than normal in some areas to ensure safety. The public are advised to check with operators before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.
  • Local Authorities’ Severe Weather Assessment Teams are continuing to monitor the situation and co-ordinate their responses. Widespread gritting will continue, as well as ploughing where necessary.
  • Local Authority outreach teams are continuing to engage with rough sleepers and encouraging them to avail of indoor shelter. Beds are available in Dublin and other urban centres for anyone who needs one. Anybody who needs shelter will be provided with it.
  • Most schools remain open as normal, though a small number of schools were closed today due to hazardous local conditions. Any decision to close a school is made by the Principal/Management of a school taking into account local conditions and safety advice.

 

Public advice

The National Emergency Coordination Group has advised that the advice to the public remains the same, including:

  • Driving conditions will be hazardous with black ice, freezing temperatures, and freezing fog. Even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
  • Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
  • Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
  • Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.

The website www.winterready.ie provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.

Today’s meeting of the NECG was convened by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in its role as Lead Government Department for the response to severe weather events.

 

Page last reviewed: 12/12/22

Content managed by: Corporate Services Department

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