Laois County Council’s Severe Weather Crisis Management Team met today at 10.30am and 14.30pm. The meeting was attended by An Garda Siochana, HSE, Midlink Motorway Services and all Laois County Council affected services such as Roads, Water Services, Housing, PPN, Fire Services and Civil Defence.
There is a current Orange status warning for County Laois but weather conditions are anticipated to get considerably worse, and by 4pm tomorrow a Red status warning will be in effect.
The following actions were agreed at the meeting.
The Severe Weather Coordination Centre has been established in Laois County Council with representatives from Laois County Council, An Garda Siochana and Health Services Executive basing their response teams in Aras an Chontae.
Please be advised if you require the assistance of the emergency services please dial 999. The local number for the Severe Weather Communication Centre is 1890837273. Emergency shelter is available on request.
At present all our national roads and motorway routes remain open, however motorists should exercise caution. Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures has made conditions on all other routes hazardous.
The following road is closed, R440 from the Cattle Mart on Rushin Road , Mountrath to Kinnitty Village (exact location available from Offaly County until further notice.
The R430 from Graiguecullen to Abbeyleix is extremely hazardous. Motorists are strongly advised to use alternative routes.
We would ask the public to check https://www.winterready.ie/en for information and advice on how to deal with potential adverse weather conditions affecting homeowners, businesses, farming community etc.
Please also check on the elderly and isolated neighbours and friends and ensure they have adequate stocks of food and fuel.