National Emergency Coordination Group update on Severe Weather

The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) met again this morning (Tuesday, 13th 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, and some wintry showers.

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. 

Public advice

Due to the current weather conditions Irish Water is urging the public to conserve water, take simple steps to reduce excessive use, and not to leave taps running. Please report any leakages to Irish Water by contacting their Customer Care Team – available 24/7 on 1800 278 278. 

More advice is available from Irish Water at www.water.ie/winterproofing. 

Otherwise, the general advice to the public remains the same, including:

• Driving conditions will be hazardous with black ice, freezing temperatures, and freezing fog. 
• Roads continue to be treated by local authority teams. Even where roads have been treated, the advice is to 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. Local Authority staff have been deployed to treat footpaths, especially around busy transport hubs. 
• 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. 

The NECG will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days.