As the after effects of Storms Frank & Gertrude continue to be felt across the country, the National Coordination Group again met in the (NECC) National Emergency Coordination Centre today (31stDecember 2015) to review the situation and the response by emergency services.
The NCG is comprised of representatives from all the main government departments and all the key state agencies this includes, inter alia, OPW, ESB, HSE, Civil Defence, Coast Guard, Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána & Met Eireann
The Group heard updates, the outlook for the weather and the levels in the river systems, as well as the effects in communities around the country. Storm Frank has brought effects, including flooding to roads, properties, homes and farmland, over a more widespread area than in recent weeks. Over one hundred properties, including homes, have been affected in this escalation of flooding, while a similar number of properties are at risk from flooding.
Local authorities continue to respond and assist communities in areas affected, and remain on standby and continue to monitor the situation in the areas where further flooding may occur. The local authority response and the necessary preparations are supplemented by the Defence Forces and other service providers when and where required.
The public are advised to be vigilant when travelling on roads as there may be local flooding and downed trees. Travelling at reduced speeds in the affected areas is also advised.
Met Eireann
Met Eireann advises of Showers or longer outbreaks of rain which will be widespread across the country today, some wintry on high ground and some thunderstorms also. Becoming rather windy and staying cold. Tonight, showers will soon die out and clear spells will develop. Strong, westerly winds will quickly moderate also, and will back southwest to south overnight while slackening further. Becoming even colder tonight; lowest temperatures +2 to -2 degrees Celsius resulting in widespread sharp ground frost and icy patches on untreated surfaces.
Tomorrow after a frosty start to New Year's Day, cloud will soon increase and southeasterly winds will strengthen everywhere bringing rain and drizzle to coastal counties of the south and east during the morning. More persistent rain will develop in Munster before noon and will spread to the rest of the country in the afternoon and evening. The rain will be heaviest in south Munster and will add to current flood problems there.
ESB
ESB advises that flows from Inniscarra Dam remain as yesterday (250 cubic metres per second).
The ESB continue to closely monitor the situation and are in communication with the local authorities and response agencies in accordance with normal operating procedures.
View infographic on the Lee system.
The flow of water through Parteen Weir will remain at 440 cubic metres per second today Thursday 31 December. The situation will be reviewed again tomorrow.
The levels in Lough Derg may reach 2009 levels in the coming days and, as a result, the flow through Parteen Weir may increase to 2009 levels up to 500 cubic metres per second in the coming days.
This level of water flow will have increased associated flooding to land and property in the vicinity of the Shannon downstream of Parteen Weir including the areas of Springfield, Montpelier, Castleconnell, Mountshannon (Annacotty) and the University of Limerick. Note that other areas between Parteen Weir and Limerick may also be vulnerable to flooding due to local issues.
ESB is continuing to monitor the situation and is liaising with the relevant County Councils.
View infographic on the River Shannon system.
Storm Frank power disruptions
ESB Networks crews continue to repair the extensive damage caused to the electricity network by Storm Frank. Almost 130,000 customers have been reconnected since the 27th December.
1,700 customers were without power overnight. Many of these customers are in areas where there is extensive flooding and this is hampering repairs. Where premises are flooded it may take a number of days to re-connect customers and only when it is safe to do so.
The main areas still without power due to Storm Frank are: Enniscorthy, Kilmore, Wellingtonbridge, Brittas Bay, Tullow, Bandon, Macroom, Kinsale and Knockbrogan.
A further 1,200 customers in Fermoy lost power this morning.
Please check for updates to restoration times at http://www.powercheck.ie. If your fault is not displayed on Powercheck, please call ESB Networks at 1850 372 999.
An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1850 372 999.
For Media Queries, please contact the ESB Press Office: 087 2557186
OPW
OPW continues to monitor the hydrometric network and the following is the current postion:All gauges on the Shannon catchment are currently indicating a rise in levels. In the past 48 hours, the following are the level changes:
Upper Catchment: Carrick-on-Shannon has risen by 13cm.
Mid catchment - Athlone area has risen by approx 7cm in the last 48 hours and is currently 10cm above its peak of 16 December.
Lower Catchment to Lough Derg has risen by approx up to 9cm and Limerick city by approx 11cm in the past 48 hours.
The smaller Shannon tributaries for example the Brosna has risen by approx 38cm in the last 48 hours. Each of the following catchments have risen significantly in the last 48 hours –Bandon, Blackwater, Erne, Suir, Barrow, Slaney, Boyne and Inny. Whilst the Nore has not risen in the last 48 hours, the levels are still very high.
We remain in a severe flooding situation on the Shannon catchment and many of the above other catchments. Ongoing flood defence efforts (for example pumping) will have to continue for some time yet.
It is also expected that there will be surface water/pluvial flooding on the road network throughout the country for the next few days.
Media queries in relation to Flood Relief Measures or Flood Mapping to the OPW may be directed to: OPW Press Officer at 087 9475552.
Effects of flooding and safety messages
There is widespread flooding on roads in many parts of the country, and motorists are advised to heed the local authority warnings in this regard. The RSA also has useful advice on their website.
People should avoid contact with floodwaters, which may be contaminated.
If it is necessary to walk through floodwater, use a stick or walking pole to test the ground under the water.
Do not enter flowing floodwaters – they may be deeper and faster flowing than they appear.
The public is reminded to avoid walking along riverbanks, which may be unsafe due to swollen rivers until it is safe to do so. They are also requested to heed any public warnings from the local authorities or local media outlets. People are further advised to follow local flood warnings issued through local authorities for more detailed information.
With strong winds and high seas expected over coming days, the Coast Guard advice to people remains the same - anybody who might visit coastal areas should take care. Their general safety message is Stay Back, Stay High & Stay Dry.
Organisers of events planned for today, New Year’s Eve, especially outdoor events, are asked to be aware of weather forecasts and local conditions. Where events go ahead, they should proceed with extreme caution, and organisers should make provisions for safety of participants and the public. Anyone planning or organising outdoor swimming events should inform the Irish Coast Guard of their plans.
Similarly, individuals or groups planning outdoor activities, such as hiking, over the coming days should also be aware of weather forecasts and local conditions.
The public is asked to check on vulnerable neighbours during this period, and assist them with supplies of fuel, food, or medications.
The group noted the responses of emergency services, defence forces, local authority workers, rescue teams, state agencies, businesses and the public for their hard work and patience during the recent event. The NCG will meet again tomorrow to review matters and Local Authorities will continue to monitor conditions and respond in support of communities.
Government support for small businesses
Government decided previously to establish a fund of €5m to aid small businesses which have suffered damage to their property in the current flooding. The fund will be administered on behalf of the Government by the Irish Red Cross.
The fund is intended for businesses in towns recognised to be at flood risk by the OPW and which have been unable to get flood risk insurance. Irish Red Cross have begun making payments. To date, in the region of 130 applications have been received with approx. 70% paid.
Application forms are available on the Irish Red Cross website.
Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government
Department of Social Protection, Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
- The Department of Social Protection (DSP) has activated its Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), to assist householders affected by the current bad weather conditions.
- The situation in all affected areas is being monitored and CWS staff are engaging with the local authorities, the Gardai and other emergency personnel to ensure supports are being provided to those affected as swiftly as possible.
- Staff are assessing and meeting the demand for assistance by the public as the needs arise and when necessary are visiting the homes of persons affected.
- DSP has opened emergency clinics in towns as required. Athlone clinic continues to operate. Clinics open in Gort, Carrick-on-Suir, a number of towns in Kilkenny such as Thomastown, Graiguenamanagh, Callan and Mullinavat and in Enniscorthy. Staff are on standby to open emergency clinics in other towns if the need arises.
- People seeking assistance under the scheme should contact their local Department of Social Protection office who will be able to offer assistance.
- Emergency payments have already been made to a number of families – some 130 to 25th Dec at a cost of approximately €130,000.
- There is often a time lag between the flooding event and actual claims. However, Community Welfare Service staff are also there to provide reassurance to people that support is available.
Further information and applications forms in relation to the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme are available Department of Social Protection offices in the affected areas and from the Department’s website:
http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Humanitarian-Assistance-Scheme.aspx
Media queries to the Department of Social Protection may be directed to:
- or Tel: 01 704 3860
#BeWinterReady
ENDS
National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management,
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government,
Custom House, Dublin
Background
The response to all emergencies is appropriately locally-led in the first instance (by relevant local authorities in the case of severe weather). Local authorities are the lead agencies, locally, for response to flooding. The Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government monitors the situation and determines if a National Co-ordination Group should be convened.