For the latest updates please follow us on Twitter @wexfordcoco or sign up to our alert service MapAlerter
We can be contacted during business hours on 053 91 96000. Our Out-of-Hours Emergency Line 1890 666777 will be available as normal after 5pm to take emergency calls.
Wexford County Council - Storm Emma - Update Thursday 8 March 5.30pm
All public roads in County Wexford are now considered passable. Some local roads remain reduced to a single lane. Please continue to drive at an appropriate speed and show courtesy to on-coming vehicles. The clearing of footpaths continues in urban areas.
As temperatures drop below freezing, some local roads and footpaths will again become treacherous. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to remain vigilant and exercise extreme care.
The Council again warns of the dangers of damaged roadside trees and hedges overhanging public roads. Owners are advised to remove such hazards if they exist on their properties.
This afternoon, the Boil Water Notice for Enniscorthy Town Supply was removed. All other major water outages have been repaired and supplies are expected to return to normal across the county over the next number of hours. Customers are reminded to check all vacant properties for possible property damage resulting from leaks. Holiday properties may be particularly susceptible.
While the threat of flooding still exists, it has significantly reduced. The Council’s Severe Weather Plan has been stood down, though we continue to carefully monitor weather reports and river levels. Any elevated flood threat level will be communicated to the public.
Key Messages
• Exercise Extreme Care, especially when driving and walking on footpaths where snow and ice persists
• Check for leaks on public water supplies
• Remove damaged trees / hedging from your property where these overhand public roads
• Continue to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours
• Contact Wexford County Council for any assistance that may be required.
Lifting of Boil Water Notice - Irish Water and Wexford County Council
Date March 8th 2018
On the advice of the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Wexford County Council issued a boil water notice for Enniscorthy Town public water scheme on the 5th March 2018.
Irish Water and Wexford County Council wishes to notify the residents, that following further testing and recording of satisfactory microbiological results, on the advice of the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Wexford County Council are now in a position to remove the boil water notice with immediate effect.
Everyone can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.
Irish Water and the Local Authority/Health Service Executive Water Quality Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.
The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1850 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on the www.water.ie.
Irish Water and Wexford County Council acknowledge your patience, cooperation and assistance during the period of the boil water notice and greatly regret any inconvenience caused.
Statement from the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
Wexford County Council - Storm Emma - Update Wednesday 7 March 5.30pm
Roads
There has been continued significant improvement in road conditions across County Wexford over the last 24 hours, with all public roads considered passable as of close of business today. Nevertheless, our continued advice to the public is to be extremely vigilant in using the road network, especially local roads, and particularly during times of freezing temperatures.
With large volumes of snow yet to clear, many roads are reduced to a single lane. Please continue to drive at an appropriate speed and show courtesy to on-coming vehicles.
The clearing of footpaths in urban areas continues and Defence Forces personnel remain in place for a further time to provide additional resources. Some footpaths are still affected by snow and ice and pedestrians are advised to remain vigilant and exercise extreme care.
Wexford County Council acknowledges the assistance of the business community, private property owners and the wider community in helping to clear many of these locations.
Water
With the continued support of Irish Water, we report significant improvements in restoration of water supply. In the past 24 hours, the number of customers without supply has reduced from 8000 to 1000 with further progress expected tomorrow.
Customers are reminded to conserve supply. Property owners are advised to check all vacant properties for possible property damage resulting from leaks. Holiday properties may be particularly susceptible.
Trees and Hedging
Many roadside trees and hedges have become weakened and damaged as a result of the heavy snowfall. Owners are advised to remove such hazards if they exist on their properties.
Other
While the previous threat of flooding has significantly abated, the Council’s Severe Weather Plan will remain in place for the next number of days as we continue to monitor weather reports and river levels.
Key Messages
• Exercise Extreme Care, especially when driving and walking on footpaths where snow and ice persists
• Conserve water and check for leaks.
• Continue to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours
• Contact Wexford County Council for any assistance that may be required.
Statement from the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
Water Supply Update – Wednesday 7 March 4pm
Enniscorthy Town
A Boil Water Notice remains in place in respect of the Enniscorthy Town public water supply until further notice.
Gorey Town
Supply has returned to normal operation
Wexford Town
Supply has returned to normal operation. We are continuing to get bursts in the town which will affect localized areas. Wexford County Council repair crews are attending to these bursts as they arise.
Barntown Taghmon
Water Supply to the Barntown area is largely restored and the Shelmalier reservoir continues to fill.
The water supply in Taghmon remains disrupted though it is slowly returning. Supply will continue to build in the Knockbroad reservoir over night with most places restored to normal operation tomorrow. A tanker is in place in Taghmon.
South Regional Water Supply
Supply interruptions remain in place in the Ramsgrange and Ballyhack areas. The reservoirs are continuing to build and it is expected that all supplies will be restored by morning. Tankers are in situ at Ramsgrange and Ballyhack.
Wexford Impassable Roads - Map Updated Tuesday 6 March 5:30pm
The following map shows Wexford roads that remain impassable as of today March 6th: Impassable Roads - Wexford
Please continue to exercise Extreme Caution when using the roads in Wexford County. Please note that some regional roads may still have pinch points where vehicles are required to give way and local primary roads may only permit a single lane of traffic for sections of the route. This map is updated at intervals throughout the day and is subject to change.
Water Supply Update – Tuesday 6 March 4pm
Enniscorthy Town
A Boil Water Notice remains in place in respect of the Enniscorthy Town public water supply until further notice.
Gorey Town
Reservoir levels have replenished overnight at Creagh Water Treatment Plant. Water should be gradually coming back with pressure building in the affected areas of Gorey (Ballytegan, Eire Street, Ramsfort Park, Creagh, Hollyfort Road, Gorey Hill, Carnew Road).
There is a burst in the Sean Lios and Ard Lios area which is currently causing disruption to supply. Supply is expected to return by 21:00 this evening
Wexford Town
Repairs complete at Edenvale following uprooting of pipes by fallen trees. Supply returned to most areas of Wexford Town with levels in the reservoirs building. Some areas may experience low pressures.
A burst in Newlands estate caused disruption to supply in the town today but has now been repaired.
Supply in the Mulgannon area is currently affected but is hoped to be restored by 7pm.
Barntown Taghmon
Supply in the Barntown and Taghmon areas is still disrupted but will be returning over night with all service expected to return to normal by tomorrow.
Tanker is in situ at Taghmon Village. IBCs are located at Mother Hubbards. Consumers are advised that tanker and IBC water must be boiled prior to use.
South Regional Water Supply
Supply interruptions continue across the South Regional Supply with outages continuing in some areas. As reservoir levels build, supply will return throughout the region. Tankers are in situ at Ramsgrange, Duncannon and Clongeen. Consumers are advised that tanker water must be boiled prior to use.
The public are asked to conserve water as supply returns and check vacant and holiday homes and mobile homes for leaks to assist with recovery of supply.
Air locks, pressure fluctuations and/or discolouration of water may be experienced when supply is restored.
Statement from the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
Wexford County Council – Storm Emma – Update Tuesday 6 March 3.00pm
Roads
Following days of continuous effort by the Council, and with tremendous assistance from all across the community, most roads in the county are now passable. We continue to advise road users to advise extreme care. A small number of minor roads in more inaccessible areas still require attention (less than 30 kms in total) and our intention is to have all routes passable by close of business tomorrow.
With more frost forecast, local roads are likely to be in a very dangerous condition, so extreme caution is advised. There is continued risk of large amounts of snow, currently stacked on the roadside, falling back onto the road surface and creating a hazard.
We have placed a map on our website showing the locations of the small number of areas that remain impassable - this map will be reviewed continuously as further areas are cleared. Impassable Roads - Wexford
Our staff, assisted by almost ninety Defence Forces personnel, are clearing footpaths in many of the towns. We are prioritising access to doctors surgeries, medical centres, chemists and also school locations, older persons estates etc. We thank the business community, private property owners and the wider community for their valued and continued assistance.
Water
With the assistance of Irish Water, we have made very significant progress in the past 24 hours in restoring water supply across the county. Water tankers continue to be deployed in a small number of locations while bottled water has been supplied to vulnerable customers. We will progress the return of supply to customers throughout the day. Customers are reminded to conserve supply and to check all vacant properties for leaks.
A Boil Water Notice remains in place in respect of the Enniscorthy Town public water supply until further notice
Other
All offices of Wexford County Council have returned to full operation. We can be contacted during business hours on 053 91 96000 or by email to postmaster@wexfordcoco.ie. Our Out-of-Hours Emergency Line 1890 666777 will be available as normal after 5pm to take emergency calls.
The Council’s Severe Weather Plan will remain in place for the next number of days as we continue to monitor weather reports and river levels.
The key messages are:
• Exercise Extreme Care, especially when driving.
• Beware also of possibility of snow and slates falling from roofs as the thaw continues.
• Conserve water and check for leaks.
• Continue to check on vulnerable neighbours
• Contact Wexford County Council for any assistance that may be required.
Wexford Impassable Roads - Map Updated Tuesday 6 March
The following map shows Wexford roads that remain impassable as of this morning March 6th. This is subject to change as the day progresses.
Please continue to exercise Extreme Caution when using the roads in Wexford County. Please note that some regional roads may still have pinch points where vehicles are required to give way and local primary roads may only permit a single lane of traffic for sections of the route. This map is updated at intervals throughout the day and is subject to change.
Important Information Notice
IRISH WATER AND WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
Boil Water Notice Date 5th March 2018
It has come to the attention of Irish Water and Wexford County Council that the public water supply serving ENNISCORTHY TOWN is or may be contaminated.
Map of area affected by Boil Water Notice
On the advice of the Health Service Executive and as a precautionary measure pending further investigation, a boil water notice is being issued. Accordingly, in the interest of public health, it is recommended that you boil the water before use.
•Water must be boiled for:
- Drinking
- Drinks made with water
- Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating
- Brushing of teeth
- Making of ice
•Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets but not for brushing teeth or gargling.
•Boil water by bringing to a vigorous, rolling boil and allow to cool. Cover and store in a refrigerator or cold place. Water from the hot tap is not safe to drink. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink.
•Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water.
•Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.
•Use water prepared for drinking when preparing foods that will not be cooked (e.g. washing salads).
•Prepare infant feeds with tap water that has been brought to the boil once and cooled. Do not use water that has been reboiled several times. If bottled water is used for the preparation of infant feeds it should be boiled once and cooled. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. The legal limit for sodium in drinking water is 200mg per litre. Check the label on the bottled water to make sure the sodium or `Na' is not greater than 200mg per litre. If it is, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.
•Anyone suffering from diarrhoea (i.e. 3 or more loose bowel motions in a 24 hour period) for more than two days should contact their general practitioner and provide a stool sample for testing. They should continue to drink plenty of boiled or bottled water.
Great care should be taken with boiled water to avoid burns and scalds as accidents can easily happen, especially with children.
How long before the boil water notice can be lifted?
We do not know at present, but Irish Water and Wexford County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as practicable.
Water Supply Update - Monday 5 March 4pm
Repairs have now been carried out at Wexford (Edenvale), Gorey and Taylorstown and water will slowly return to these areas.
The public are asked not to leave taps running, to conserve water and check vacant properties and holiday homes for leaks to assist with recovery of supply across the region.
As the supply returns, customers should continue to conserve water in the interests of speeding up the filling of the network and the provision of supply to the outer areas of the network - it may take a number of hours for the entire network to refill and all customers to receive water.
Wexford Passable Roads - Map Updated Monday 5 March
The map below shows roads that are reported as passable with Extreme Caution in Wexford County.
As per previous update, please be aware that some roads may still have points where vehicles are required to give way and local primary roads may only permit a single lane of traffic with large volumes of snow on both sides of the road. This map is a partial representation of all routes that were cleared following Storm Emma. This map is published as a guide and as such Wexford County Council cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as the road conditions are subject to change.
Wexford County Council – Storm Emma – Update Monday 5 March 14:30 hrs
Roads
Response is ongoing. Army, contractors and local community assisting the Council
We are giving increasing attention to local roads, now that all National and Regional roads are in a reasonable state and passable with care. With help from the Department of Defence, we are also clearing footpaths near important locations such as chemists, doctors and other HSE locations.
If there is frost tonight, the Council will salt National and most Regional roads as normal. However, local roads are liable to be in a very dangerous condition, so extreme caution is advised. There is also increased risk of large amounts of snow, currently stacked on the roadside, falling back onto the road surface and creating a hazard.
People are encouraged to clear driveways as soon as possible as the task will become magnified should freezing occur.
Water
Water outages persist in several locations across the County. Our repairs crews have been mobilized and are working to restore supply as soon as possible.
A significant burst at Edenvale Water Intake is badly effecting supply to Wexford Town and surrounding areas. The location was extremely difficult to access but crews have now made their way to the site and have commenced excavation to repair the break. We expect supply to be restored latest lunchtime tomorrow.
With the assistance of Irish Water, water tankers have been deployed in a number of locations in Wexford Town and other areas – see our website and MapAlerter for more details. Bottled water supplies have also been delivered to vulnerable customers in nursing homes and care facilities, etc.
A number of other bursts are being attended to today and this work will continue until all supplies have been restored. The message to customers is to conserve supply, and check your property, especially if vacant, for leaks.
Other
All offices of Wexford County Council will reopen tomorrow Tuesday. Our Emergency Call Centre 053 91 96000 continues to operate today until 5.00pm while our usual Out-of-Hours Emergency Line 1890 666 777 will be available after 5pm to take emergency calls.
The key message is Continue to Exercise Extreme Care and drive at a reduced speed appropriate to the weather conditions. Beware also of possibility of snow and slates falling from roofs as the thaw continues.
Water Supply Update - Monday 5 March 2pm
South Regional Water Supply
There are widespread water outages affecting South Regional Water Supply following the effects of Storm Emma. Areas affected are Ballycullane, Duncannon, Ballyhack, Arthurstown, Fethard, Hook, Duncormick, Campile . It is hoped that water supply will have returned to most areas by tonight. Water Tankers are in place at Ramsgrange School and Duncannon Church. The public are asked to conserve water as supply returns and check vacant properties and holiday homes for leaks to assist with recovery of supply across the region.
Wexford Town
Water disruption across Wexford town is continuing with supply out in Coolcots, Townparks, Whitemill, Whiterock lower, Bishopswater, Ard Carman, St Aidans. Other areas of the town may be experiencing low pressure. Wexford County Council are working to restore supply and hope to have supply returned to some areas later today, we are monitoring levels and making all efforts to return water to the public. Water tankers are in situ around the town at Clonard Church car park, Clonard Village, Mount Prospect and IBC water tankers are located at Cois Carraige, Coolcots Community Centre and Mother Hubbards. The public are asked to conserve water as supply returns and check vacant properties and holiday homes for leaks to assist with recovery of supply.
Barntown/Taghmon
Water disruption across Barntown and Taghmon is continuing with supply out following the effects of Storm Emma. Wexford County Council is working to restore supply. Water tankers are in situ around the town at Clonard Church car park and Mother Hubbards. The public are asked to conserve water as supply returns and check vacant properties and holiday homes for leaks to assist with recovery of supply. Further updates to follow.
Gorey Town
There is water disruption across Gorey town in the Gorey north and Irish Street areas today with supply out following the effects of Storm Emma. Wexford County Council are working to restore supply. IBC Water tankers will be provided from approximately 4pm at Ardmore, Kilnahule lane, The Lask, Gorey Hill, Westhill Park, Woodbury, Creagh woods, Hunters green, Creagh demense, Allenwood dr, Ramsfort Avenue, Sean Doire, Baile Eoghain,Woodlands manor, Willow park, Cois linne ,Eire st, Sean lios, Newborough. The public are asked to conserve water as supply returns and check vacant properties and holiday homes for leaks to assist with recovery of supply. Further updates to follow.
Wexford Passable Roads - Update Sunday 4 March 10pm
The map below shows roads that are reported as passable with Extreme Caution in Wexford County. As per previous updates below, please be aware that some regional roads may still have points where vehicles are required to give way and local primary roads may only permit a single lane of traffic with large volumes of snow on both sides of the road.
This map is a partial representation of all routes that were cleared following Storm Emma. This map is published as a guide and as such Wexford County Council cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as the road conditions are subject to change. Over 750km (as of March 4th) of road has been ploughed or cleared in response to Storm Emma with routes prioritised to meet the needs of the Emergency services and in response to emergency calls.
Wexford County Council – Extreme Weather Event- Update Sunday 4 March – 9:30pm
National / Regional Roads
Wexford County Council has now cleared all National and Regional roads in County Wexford to a point where they are passable with care.
Local Roads
Throughout the day and with significant help from local landowners, members of the farming community, contractors, owners of heavy equipment and the general public, many local roads are also passable - though we continue to urge drivers to proceed with extreme caution.
Drivers should note that many local roads may have just a single narrow lane open, with large volumes of snow on both sides of the road, and the public should exercise caution and extend courtesy to oncoming vehicles as they drive these roads in the coming days. Drivers should also be aware of the danger of ponding of water, particularly on local roads, as the snow continues to melt.
Other Roads
Due to the scale of the snowfall Wexford County Council continues to request assistance from the public in clearing snow from footpaths in front of their premises in urban areas and clearing snow from roads and footpaths in housing estates.
In addition, where it is considered safe to do so, people with equipment such as high-power tractors with loading shovels etc. are encouraged to assist in clearing snow from local roads, but to do so safely and to avoid creating any additional hazards
Water Supplies
Throughout the day crews worked to restore water supply to many parts of the county. In conjunction with Irish Water, the Council has succeeded in restoring supply to Gorey and Kilmore areas – though customers should note it may take some hours for the pipework to refill and water pressure to be restored.
Some 15,000 customers remain without water supply this evening, mainly in the Wexford Town area. Water tankers have been made available in a number of locations in Wexford and it is expected that supply will be restored later tomorrow evening or latest Tuesday.
Flood Risk
Wexford County Council has no immediate concerns regarding the possibility of flooding. However, we continue to carefully monitor the situation and we have contingency plans in place, should the situation change over the coming days.
Other
The Department of Defence and Wexford Civil Defence continue to provide cover to the HSE and Ambulance Service. They are assisted this evening by Civil Defence personnel from Tipperary and Laois, while civil defence teams from Dublin, Waterford and Kilkenny are on standby to provide further resources if required.
Emergency Call Centre
All public offices of Wexford County Council remain closed tomorrow Monday 5 March. We wish to reassure the public that our Emergency Call Centre 053 91 96000 will continue to operate from 9.00am to 5.00pm to take emergency calls.
Emergency calls can also be emailed to stormemmaec@wexfordcoco.ie
Wexford County Council Crisis Management Team, together with representatives of An Garda Siochána, HSE, Department of Defence, Wexford Civil Defence and the Ambulance Service will meet again tomorrow to review and further co-ordinate the response to this extreme weather event.
Wexford Emergency Call Centre Update
Wexford County Council Emergency Call Centre will operate tomorrow Monday March 5th from 9am to 5pm and can be contacted on 053 91 96000 or via email on stormemmaec@wexfordcoco.ie.
The Out-of-Hours Emergency number 1890 666 777 is available outside of these hours.
Water Supply - Wexford Town/Barntown Sunday 4 March 05:45pm
IBCs to be deployed at Cois Carraig estate, Coolcotts Community Centre and Mother Hubbards Barntown from 7pm this evening.
Water Tanker in place in St. Josephs Community Centre, Bishopswater from 7 pm this evening
Water must be Boiled prior to use.
Wexford County Council Update Sunday 4 March 04:00pm
Wexford Town: Crews are clearing the road to Edenvale intake which supplies water to Wexford Town with 20 trees down en route. There are 3 water tankers at Clonard Church, Mount Prospect and Clonard Village respectively. There are Water containers also at 3 further locations around Wexford town; Barntown Church, Cois Carriage estate and Clonard Community Centre. Water restrictions will be in place for parts of Wexford Town later today.
Ferns: A crew is on the way to repair the burst watermain.
New Ross: Road access to Ballycullane reservoir has now been cleared. ESB due on site this afternoon to restore power. Duncannon and Ballyhack areas are impacted.
National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
Wexford County Council Update Sunday 4 March 1:30pm
All offices of Wexford County Council including libraries will remain closed for business on Monday 5th March.
Emergency Call Centre will remain open today and tomorrow on 053-9196000
Water Supply in Wexford Town Sunday 4 March 1.00pm
Water Supply will be available from Water Tankers situated in Clonard Village, Clonard Church Car park and Mount Prospect from 2pm today. Water must be Boiled prior to use
National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
Update Saturday 3rd March 6.30pm
Wexford County Council - Extreme Weather Event Update Saturday 3 March 6.00pm
- Substantial improvement in Wexford in relation to National routes, with the N25, N30 and N11 now accessible to 4x4 vehicles. These national routes are being salted regularly through the day to clear remaining snow and it is hoped that by tomorrow evening Sunday they will be accessible to cars….check our website for confirmation
- Most regional routes have also been ploughed and also accessible to 4x4 vehicles - extreme caution advised
- We have also allocated machinery and personnel to help the ESB reach power outages around the country, and we are working with Irish Water to restore water supplies to a number of locations around the county. At the height of the water supply issues, some 5000 customers were without supply. These repairs will continue tomorrow
- The Department of Defence has send 50 troops to Wexford where they are now assisting in the cleanup operation. They have at their disposal 10 specialist vehicles, including 4 x 4 transport vehicles and a snow plough and these vehicles have been assigned to assist the HSE and ambulance service in responding to medical emergencies. Wexford Civil Defence continues to assist in this area
- The public is asked to continue to be patient especially in relation to the clearing of more minor roads - it is likely to take the Council some days to reach on these. We very much acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the local farming community in helping to clear these roads.
- Extreme caution is advised if travelling on any roads over the next number of days
- The Council’s Emergency Call Centre 053 91 96000 received almost 400 calls today. It will be manned by Council staff again tomorrow Sunday between 9.00am and 5.00pm to take emergency calls.
- The Council is closely monitoring the threat of flooding, and will keep the public fully updated over the next 24/48 hours in relation to same, while our staff are on standby to deal with any issues that may arise
- Check Council website, our Twitter page, MapAlerter, local and national media for updates.
Water Services Update
Saturday 3rd March 2pm
Weather Warning for Wexford - Code Level Orange
Saturday 3rd March 9.00am
Some snow this morning, widespread treacherous surfaces due to ice and lying snow. Rain will begin to spread from the south today and this will start the melting process with potential flooding.
Updates will follow.
Valid from 06:00 Saturday 3-March-2018 until 18:00 Saturday 3-March-2018
Update from National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
(07.30hrs on Sat 3 March 2018)
Met Éireann have updated their weather warnings at 06.00hrs this morning. An ORANGE level weather warning is in place for Munster, Leinster, Cavan and Monaghan for some further snow this morning, with widespread treacherous surfaces due to ice and snow on the ground.
Conditions are and will remain very difficult and the public are advised continue to exercise high levels of caution for their own safety in the accumulated snow and icy conditions.
There are variations in storm impact across the country. Our services are working to open the principal road networks and to get public transport operating again. Many roads remain impassable.
We continue to advise that only those working in essential services and those who have roles in getting the country back to normal should undertake journeys.
People who need undertake essential journeys need to take account of circumstances locally before deciding to undertake those journeys.
Met Eireann are also advising that rain will begin to spread from the south today.
Further updates will follow.
Wexford County Council Update - Extreme Weather Conditions – Friday 2 March 22:50 hrs
Storm Emma continued to severely impact on County Wexford through most of today, with very significant accumulations of snow in most parts of the county. As well as the lying snow and severe cold, which are creating treacherous conditions, many areas are severely impacted by drifting snow, with depths well in excess of one metre reported in many areas.
The Council’s emergency crews were in operation from 7.30am this morning, with snow ploughs deployed on all national routes. Priority was also given to hospital access and other emergency infrastructure. The Council contracted a considerable quantity of heavy machinery, including industrial loading shovels, tractors, snow ploughs, JCB’s and similar equipment to help clear the extraordinary volumes of snow from priority routes across County Wexford.
Wexford County Council is grateful to the public for taking our advice and staying indoors yesterday evening and last night. We particularly thank our own staff, many of whom worked in very challenging conditions to keep much of our road infrastructure open to emergency vehicles throughout the day and those staff who operated the Council’s Emergency Call Centre 053 91 96000 and to our Crisis Management Team , who remained in place throughout the day to manage the overall response.
Wexford County Council also wishes to acknowledge the response from the farming community, many of whom are assisting is clearing the roads in their local areas and communities. Our thanks also to our Civil Defence volunteers whose efforts have helped immensely in addressing the challenges of this extreme weather event..
It must be emphasised that conditions are and will remain very difficult and dangerous over the coming days and the public are advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary AND TO CONTINUE TO EXERCISE HIGH LEVELS OF CAUTION for their own safety in the extreme cold, accumulated snow and icy conditions underfoot. The presence of large snow drifts, particularly on local roads is going to pose particular problems and individual houses may be inaccessible for some time.
ESB are working to restoring power after some significant outages today, and Wexford County Council will continue to provide assistance to ESB staff in gaining access to problem areas. The county’s water network has developed a number of water bursts and we will continue to work with Irish Water to restore supply as quickly as possible to these areas.
Wexford County Council has addressed all known incidents of homelessness during this event. Both Ozanam House and the Women’s Refuge have seen additional numbers offered accommodation while the Council’s temporary Emergency Homeless Shelter in Presentation Centre Enniscorthy has accommodated a further 6 people.
Wexford County Council wishes to assure the public that all our available resources are deployed and are working at peak capacity. The public are asked for patience while we work to restore services and clear transport routes. The priority is to restore the primary road network, followed by regional routes and then local roads.
Our Emergency Call Centre 053 91 96000 will continue tomorrow Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm, while our Out-of-Hours Emergency number 1890 666777 will be available outside these hours.
Wexford County Council Crisis Management Team, together with representatives of An Garda Siochána and the HSE will continue to meet over the coming days to review and further co-ordinate the response to this extreme weather event.
Update from National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
View the update issued on Friday 2nd March, 7:00m
Wexford County Council Update Friday 5pm
Wexford County Council’s Emergency Call Centre 053 91 96000 has now closed.
Our normal Out-of-Office Emergency Line, 1890 666777 will operate from 5.00pm this evening until 9.00am tomorrow , at which point our Emergency Call Centre will once again open for Emergency calls
Further updates throughout the day evening on Council website, twitter, MapAlerter and national and local media
Wexford County Council continues to advise the public not to travel - all routes currently extremely hazardous
Wexford County Council Update Friday 1:30pm March 2nd
N11 ploughed from Clough Roundabout to Maldron Hotel Wexford
N25 Maldron Hotel Roundabout to New Ross also ploughed
N11 Maldron Hotel Roundabout to Rosslare currently impassable - heavy machinery being assigned to deal with this
N30 Enniscorthy to New Ross - ploughed
N80 Enniscorthy to Bunclody ploughed
These roads are on a continuous ploughing loop as heavy snow continues to fall. Please note that even when ploughed, these roads are only suitable for emergency vehicles, tractors, 4x4 vehicles
Further updates throughout the day on Council website, twitter, MapAlerter and national and local media
Wexford County Council continues to advise the public not to travel - all routes currently extremely hazardous
Wexford County Council Update Friday 1pm
Wexford County Council’s Emergency Line 053 91 96000 is now fully operational for all emergency calls.
We have appealed to the farming community to assist in clearing local roads where it is safe to do so, and to check with elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need assistance.
Our snow ploughs are currently clearing national routes, with considerable success, though it continues to snow heavily.
Pedestrians are advised to beware of roadworks areas where open trenches may be camouflaged by snow.
Further updates throughout the day on Council website, twitter, MapAlerter and national and local media.
Wexford County Council continues to advise the public not to travel - all routes currently extremely hazardous
Wexford County Council Update Friday 8am
Significant snowfall across County Wexford last night and continuing this morning with depths of 10 - 15 cms reported in Wexford, Gorey and Enniscorthy areas, 5-10 cms in New Ross area
Significantly more snow in Bunclody area with drifting leading to more than a metre of snow in places
Snowdrifts in many other areas also with extreme caution advised
Council snow ploughs have mobilised across the county since 7.30am with priority to National Routes which currently are under significant depth of snow
Further updates throughout the day on Council website, twitter, MapAlerter and national and local media
Wexford County Council continues to advise the public not to travel - all routes currently extremely hazardous
Update from National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
(Friday 07.30hrs on 2 March 2018)
Met Éireann have updated weather warnings at 06.21hrs
A RED Level warning is in place for snow with strong easterly winds for Munster, Leinster and County Galway. An ORANGE Level warning is in place in the rest of the country.
However, the blizzard conditions have passed and the public safety advice to shelter indoors is withdrawn.
Conditions are and will remain very difficult and the public are advised continue to exercise high levels of caution for their own safety in the extreme cold, accumulated snow and icy conditions underfoot.
There are variations in storm impact across the country and people need to take account of circumstances locally before deciding to venture outdoors or undertake journeys.
In particular, it will take some time to get roads open again and people should listen for local updates on road conditions.
Update from the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group
(Thursday 1st March 9:20pm)
Met Eireann has extended the RED level Warning for Munster and Leinster until 6 pm on Friday evening, 2 March 2018.
The NECG’s advice for people in areas affected is to stay in shelter until RED warning relating to blizzard conditions expire and conditions improve.
Situation is being reviewed continuously and warning levels will be updated on the basis of meteorological information.
Wexford County Council Update Thursday 9pm
Snowing steadily in most parts of Wexford, N11, N25 and N30 remain passable - all other routes extremely hazardous
Avoid all unnecessary travel until Red weather warning expires
Stay Indoors - Stay Safe
Report following this morning's meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Group
Frozen or Burst Water Pipes Advice
https://www.water.ie/support/frozen-and-burst-pipes/
Council reviews arrangements to maintain Critical Services as Storm Emma blows in.
(Thursday 1st March 12 Noon)
This morning Thursday 1st March, Wexford County Council stepped up plans to deal with Storm Emma, when the Council's Crisis Management Team met again to review and finalise arrangements.
Senior Council staff together with representatives of An Garda Siochána, the HSE and Department of Defence reviewed plans to manage essential operations across County Wexford, including maintenance of the county's road network, continuation of water supplies and management of emergency services.
With a Red Weather warning in force across the entire country, the Council has closed all its public offices and libraries and has established a call centre at its Wexford headquarters – TEL 053 91 96000 - to take emergency calls only from the public during the extreme weather event. Already this morning the Call Centre has taken 65 calls in the period 9.00am to 12.00 noon.
The Council’s fleet of specialist vehicles and equipment for dealing with snow and ice has been fully mobilised with the salting of national and most regional routes receiving priority. Salt stocks have been replenished in recent days and Council stores are currently operating from full capacity. The Council’s six salting trucks are working 12 hour shifts to keep these priority routes open.
Wexford Civil Defence has mobilised crews and four wheel-drive vehicles in each of the four main towns to help provide emergency cover. In addition, the Defence Forces have assigned additional resources to help deal with the extreme weather event, with several dozen personnel on standby, to be deployed across the region as required.
The Council has also taken the prudent decision to mobilise its Fire Service, with full crews on standby at each of the Council’s five fire stations to deal with any emergency that may arise during the period of this event.
The Council’s temporary 24 Emergency Homeless Shelter at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy is fully operational – it is currently catering for six adult males. Arrangements are in place to ensure that any persons who present as homeless in the coming hours and days will be safely transported to the Presentation Centre where shelter and food will be available to them.
Wexford County Council continues to advise the public to heed Met Eireann’s weather warnings and to stay indoors over the next 24/36 hours. This is an extreme and life-threatening weather event and there is no room for complacency. Stay Indoors – Stay Safe.
Further advice on preparing for and dealing with extremely cold conditions and snow is available at www.winterready.ie. Tune in to local radio and follow updates from Wexford County Council on wexfordcoco.ie, on our Twitter page and on MapAlerter.ie.
Status Red Weather Warning Issued by Met Eireann
Snow-ice Warning for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Cork and Waterford
Update
Further disruptive heavy snow showers are expected overnight with significant accumulations.
Issued:Wednesday 28 February 2018 20:00
Valid:Wednesday 28 February 2018 20:00 to Thursday 01 March 2018 12:00
- Extreme caution advised
- Avoid unnecessary travel
View current Met Eireann Weather Warnings
Press Release Issued by Wexford County Council
(Wednesday 28 February 4:00pm)
Met Eireann has issued a Status Red Weather Warning for Wexford effective from 4pm tomorrow to 12 Midday on Friday 2nd. On this basis, all offices of Wexford County Council, including public libraries, will be closed to the public for non-essential services on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd March.
Emergencies can be reported to Wexford County Council on both days between 9.00am and 5.00pm by dialling our switchboard 053 91 96000, while our Out of Hours Emergency number 1890 666 777 will also operate as normal.
It is anticipated that normal services will resume at 9am on Monday 5th March.
Service Plan Map with Grit Locations
View Map showing Salting Routes and Grit and Salt Distribution points. Red & Blue Routes are the Salt Routes.
Press Release from Irish Water
Press Release from Irish Water (28 Feb 2018)
Statement from the National Emergency Coordination Group on Severe Weather
Press release from Dept of Housing, Planning & Local Government (27 Feb 2018, 5:30pm)
Council activates Severe Weather Plan
(Tuseday 27th February, 5:00pm)
Wexford County Council continues to prepare as a spell of highly disruptive cold weather approaches Ireland. This afternoon, the Council held a further meeting of it’s Emergency Management Team, which was also attended by members of An Garda Siochána and the HSE. At that meeting, the decision was taken to formally activate Wexford County Council’s Severe Weather Plan, bringing a range of formal emergency management actions and resources into play.
The Council’s fleet of specialist vehicles and equipment for dealing with snow has been fully mobilised and the Council’s salt stores are at full capacity, with more than 1100 tonnes of salt stockpiled in anticipation of the severe weather.
The Council’s six salting trucks will be on standby from 13.30 tomorrow Wednesday, fully loaded with snowploughs fitted. Drivers and helpers will also be on standby and will work 12 hour shifts, commencing 13.30 Wednesday. Salting will continue until Saturday at 13.30, to be reviewed at that point. These trucks will deal with National Roads and Priority 1 and 2 and some Priority 3 Regional Roads.
All other roads will be dealt with at Borough/ Municipal District level, with priority being given to the Local Primary Roads. The treatment will be by way of hired plant and will include snow blades, graders, JCB’s and fertiliser and lime spreaders.
Wexford County Council has arranged for quantities of grit to be made available free of charge to members of the public, with stockpiles available at the following locations:
- New Ross District Oaklands Quarry, Ballykelly, New Ross;
- Wexford District Mulpool Ltd, Inish, Kilmore and Whitemill Council Depot, Wexford Town
- Gorey District Inch Creamery and O’Sullivan Agri, Camolin
Arrangements have also been put in place to ensure those persons known to be homeless or “sleeping rough” across County Wexford have access to food supplies and shelter. As an exceptional measure, Wexford County Council Housing Department has established a 24-hour Temporary Emergency Homeless Shelter at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, which will operate from 3.00pm today Tuesday 27 February until the conclusion of the current forecasted extreme weather event.
The Centre will cater for all adult males during this extreme weather event. Women and children presenting will be accommodated through Wexford County Council’s existing emergency accommodation arrangements.
Wexford County Council continues to advise the public to heed Met Eireann’s weather warnings as the week progresses. Where it is possible and safe to do so, people are asked to ensure elderly or vulnerable neighbours have adequate food supplies and sources of heating in place as the period of severe weather approaches. Further advice on preparing for and dealing with extremely cold conditions and snow is available at www.winterready.ie
Members of the public are reminded to register on MapAlerter, a public emergency notification system available on the Council’s website, where they can receive additional useful information by text and email.
Further updates and advice will issue throughout the coming days via local and national media and on the Council’s Twitter page and website.
Emergency Homeless Accommodation Update
(Tuesday 27th February, 12:45pm)
Following discussions with An Garda Siochána this morning, and as an exceptional measure, Wexford County Council Housing Department has established a 24-hour Temporary Emergency Homeless Shelter at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
The facility will operate from 3.00pm today Tuesday 27 February until the conclusion of the current forecasted extreme weather event. It will cater for all adult males during this extreme weather event. Women and children presenting will be accommodated through Wexford County Council’s existing emergency accommodation arrangements.
Tea / Coffee facilities are available at the Centre, while provision will be made locally for more substantial meals as required.
Persons seeking to use the Centre should present at County Council offices or Garda Station and transport will be arranged where necessary.
24/7 security will be provided at the Presentation Centre during its use as an Temporary Emergency Shelter
Council emergency crews on standby as weather set to deteriorate
(26th February 2018, 5:00pm)
Wexford County Council emergency crews are continuing their preparations as a spell of highly disruptive weather approaches the east coast of Ireland. Sub-zero temperatures and significant snowfalls are forecasted from Tuesday, with significant disruption likely across the region.
This afternoon, Wexford County Council’s Emergency Management Team, consisting of senior staff from across a range of Council services, met with representatives of An Garda Siochána to oversee and finalise preparations.
Large stocks of salt and grit have been put in place at the Council’s central operational depots in Wexford and Enniscorthy for deployment across the counties road network, with priority to be given to the county’s national and regional routes. Arrangements are also in hand to supply stocks of salt in the main urban areas to deal with possible snow and ice difficulties in these areas.
The Council has at its disposal a range of specialist vehicles and equipment to deal with such weather events, including salting equipment, snowploughs, four-wheel drive vehicles etc. and will augment this as necessary through use of private contractors.
Arrangements have also been put in place to ensure those persons known to be homeless or “sleeping rough” across County Wexford have access to food supplies and shelter, with additional spaces made available in homeless shelters and B&B accommodation. The Council will continue to monitor this situation on a daily basis throughout the severe weather period.
Wexford County Council strongly advises the public to heed Met Eireann’s weather warnings throughout the week, and to take the necessary action to ensure their safety and comfort. Where possible, people are asked to ensure elderly or vulnerable neighbours have adequate food supplies and sources of heating in place as the period of severe weather approaches. Further advice on preparing for and dealing with extremely cold conditions and snow is available at www.winterready.ie
Regular updates and advice from Wexford County Council will issue throughout the coming week on local radio and on the Council’s Twitter page and website. The public is also encouraged to register on Mapalerter, a public emergency notification system available on the Council’s website, where they can receive additional useful information by text and email.
Statement from the National Emergency Coordination Group on Severe Weather
Press release from Dept of Housing, Planning & Local Government (26 Feb 2018, 5:00pm)
Met Eireann Weather Advisory
Met Eireann Weather Advisory (26/02/2018, 11:00am)
Monday 26th February 2018, 11:00am
Large stocks of salt and grit have been put in place at the Council’s central operational depot in Enniscorthy for deployment across the counties road network, with priority to be given to the county’s national and regional routes. Arrangements are also in hand to supply stocks of salt in the main urban areas to deal with possible snow and ice difficulties in these areas.
The Council has at its disposal a range of specialist vehicles and equipment to deal with such weather events, including salting equipment, snowploughs, four-wheel drive vehicles etc. and will augment this as necessary through use of private contractors.
Arrangements have also been put in place to ensure those persons known to be homeless or “sleeping rough” across County Wexford have access to food supplies and shelter. The Council will continue to monitor this situation throughout the severe weather period.
Wexford County Council strongly advises the public to heed Met Eireann’s weather warnings throughout the week, and to take the necessary action to ensure their safety and comfort. Where possible, people are asked to ensure elderly or vulnerable neighbours have adequate food supplies and sources of heating in place as the period of severe weather approaches. Further advice on preparing for and dealing with extremely cold conditions and snow is available at www.winterready.ie
Regular updates and advice from Wexford County Council will issue throughout the coming week on local radio and on the Council’s Twitter page and website. The public is also encouraged to register on Mapalerter, a public emergency notification system available on the Council’s website, where they can receive additional useful information by text and email.
Press Release Dept of Housing, Planning & Local Government)
Press release from Minister Eoghan Murphy, Dept of Housing, Planning & Local Government (25 Feb 2018)