URGENT: Storm Éowyn public safety messages issued by Kildare County Council

Met Éireann has issued a Red Weather Warning for wind and rain for County Kildare, predicting severe, dangerous, destructive and damaging winds that pose a risk to life and property. The Red Weather Warning is currently in effect from 6 a.m. to 11a.m. on Friday, with an Orange Weather Warning from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. 

Kildare County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and Crisis Management Team met on Thursday morning, January 23 in response to these weather warnings. The Local Co-ordination Group will also meet to ensure co-ordination of emergency services during and after Storm Éowyn.

Accessing Services:

• The offices of Kildare County Council will be closed tomorrow, Friday 24 January.
• Customers with appointments to attend Áras Chill Dara, Naas on 24 January can re-book online at www.kildarecoco.ie/OnlineBookingSystem 
• Customers are reminded that there are a range of online services available for them to conduct their business with the Council. 
• For emergencies related to Council services, on Friday 24 January, and through the weekend, our out-of-hours phone service will be available, at 1800 500 444. High call volumes are expected, and we appreciate customers’ patience. 
• For non-emergency issues, please email customerservice@kildarecoco.ie and you will receive a response during normal working hours. 

Council staff will not operate outdoors during a Red Level Weather Warning and will operate at a significantly reduced capacity during an Orange Level Warning. Emergency calls logged will be risk assessed and responded to on a prioritized basis when our teams are operational, subject to weather and local safety conditions.   

WATCH LIVE: Follow Storm ÉOWYN as it hurtles over Kildare

Important Contact Numbers:

• Life threatening emergencies should be reported to 999 or 112. 
• The Freephone number for Homeless Services is 1800 804 307.  This will be operational from 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday 24th January and will continue to operate as normal on Saturday and Sunday 25th and 26th January from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Safety Advice:

During Red Level warnings:

• The public is advised to shelter in place and not to travel
• Public transport will not be in operation
• There will be unsafe working conditions

During Orange Level warnings: 

• The public is asked to limit travel to essential only.
• Be aware of local conditions in your area; wind strengths can vary significantly from place to place (depending on direction and local topography.
• Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout Friday, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
• Storm Éowyn may also bring localized heavy showers, leading to localised flooding.
• Homeowners and business owners are advised to take precautions to protect yourself, your property, and ensure any/all garden furniture, including refuse bins and trampolines are well secured.
• The Electricity network is expected to be severely impacted; the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• 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 on 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie regarding 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 to Uisce Éireann’s free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.”
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.

Kildare County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team, Crisis Management Team and Local Coordination Groups will convene again during this event and over the coming days, to continue monitoring and coordinating a local response to the situation.