National Emergency Co-ordination Group meets as Storm Chandra response continues

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, this afternoon attended a meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group as it met to monitor and co-ordinate the ongoing Government response to Storm Chandra. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (through its National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM)) is responsible for the emergency response to severe weather events.

Many parts of the country have been severely impacted by the high winds and heavy rain brought by Storm Chandra, with significant flooding and travel disruptions reported - especially across the South and East of the Country.

Minister Browne said:

"The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, local authorities and state agencies have been liaising since yesterday to manage the impact of Storm Chandra. While the weather warnings were only at Yellow Level, the impacts in some areas are severe given the level of water saturation in the ground prior to the storm.

"I would advise everyone to check Local Authorities' websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts. In particular, I would advise drivers to heed signage about flooded roads. Do not drive through floodwater. Turn back and use another route where a road is closed or flooded.

"We will continue to monitor the impact of the storm and respond appropriately. This includes providing any humanitarian assistance to people and communities bearing the brunt of the impact of these floods. I am closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that everything that needs to be done will be done."

Flooding risks will remain into Wednesday and Thursday, as rain continues to fall on already saturated ground and elevated catchments.

Affected Local Authorities have activated their Severe Weather Assessment Teams and are responding to incidents as they are notified. Numerous road closures and diversions are in place in affected areas, and the public are advised check Local Authorities' websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts. It is essential that drivers heed signage about flooded roads - do not drive through floodwater; turn back and use another route.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland are also liaising with al transportation stakeholders to ensure adequate measures are taken to address emerging situations. While the M50 has now fully reopened, congestion and disruption should continue to be expected across parts of the motorway network. The public are advised to monitor the social media channels of transport providers for updates.

The ESB has been working throughout the day, and will continue to work into the night, to reconnect any homes and businesses left without power.

The Department of Social Protection has announced that the Emergency Response Payment (formerly the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme) is now available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Chandra.

Where needed, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will activate the Business and Community Flooding Support Scheme, working with local authorities and the NDFEM. This scheme supports business, community and voluntary organisations affected by flooding who cannot obtain flood insurance.

Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place:

Status Yellow wind warning for Ireland

Expires 23:00 today.

Status Yellow - Rain warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford

Expires at 23:00 today.

Public safety advice

• Allow for disruption when commuting over the coming days.
• Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
• Check with Public Transport operators for local information.
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.
• Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals - water levels may rise quickly.
• Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
• Heed signage for roads closed.
• Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide.
• The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."
• Check in with neighbours, older people, or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. in regards to power restoration times.
• Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online for their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie."
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts over the next 24 hours - conditions may change quickly. Visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann), and other news media sources.

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