Multi agency emergency plan in place as weather conditions set to worsen

Key agencies including Met Eireann, principal emergency response agencies and relevant government departments have come together in light of the snow and ice forecast.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management Crisis Management Team (NDFEM CMT) held a second virtual meeting on Thursday. A further meeting is scheduled for Friday morning to monitor the situation.  

Rain, sleet and snow will spread northwards across the country throughout Thursday, accompanied by strengthening winds. 

Accumulations of snow are considered likely in many areas along with icy conditions. 

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Snow /Ice warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath valid from 11am on Thursday midnight on Friday with significant accumulations of snow expected in some areas along with icy conditions.

A spokesperson for the Department of of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: “NDFEM Crisis Management Team continues to monitor developments, liaising with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Crisis Management Teams who are actively monitoring the evolution of weather conditions.

“All Departments and Agencies are relaying the public safety messages, aligned with the latest weather warnings issued.

“Cold weather arrangements remain in place throughout the country to ensure that there is adequate capacity to prevent any need for rough sleeping during the current period.”

Public Safety Advice

The public should heed local authority advice on local conditions and are asked to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for updates on local conditions

Road Safety Authority

The Road Safety Authority issued a statement following Thursday afternoon’s NDFEM CMT meeting saying: “The public should heed local authority and An Garda Síochána advice on local conditions and are asked to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for updates on local conditions. The golden rule is drive with care and expect the unexpected.

“Weather conditions will be disruptive for travel tomorrow. Driving conditions may be particularly hazardous tomorrow morning during the busy commute morning times of 6am to 10am.

“The public should note that local conditions will vary across the country and consider those conditions. Any travel arrangements should be planned carefully in advance of setting out

“All road users should be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions, particularly on untreated roads and allow extra time for all road journeys

“Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers posed by poor visibility during periods of falling sleet/snow

"Pedestrians should be aware for the potential of slips and falls in icy conditions particularly on untreated roads and footpaths.”

Schools

The decision to close a school rests with the school management authority taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies, especially An Garda Síochána. Any decision to close is taken in the interest of child safety, having assessed the local risks and having consulted, as appropriate, with school transport operators.

Some of the issues that schools take into account include:

-conditions in the school itself

-capacity of the school to ensure the health and safety of students whilst in school

-ability of parents, students, staff and school transport services to safely negotiate local road conditions to reach the school