LATEST: Major roadway to close in Kilkenny due to Storm Éowyn
The bridge carries the N25 road that links counties Kilkenny and Wexford
A closure warning has been issued for The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge.
The bridge carries the N25 road that links counties Kilkenny and Wexford.
The bridge is set to close tonight (Thursday) at approximately 11pm until tomorrow (Friday) at approximately 12pm.
Diversions will be in place.
The Status Red wind warning for Kilkenny will be in effect from 2am to 10am on Friday, January 24 and will bring gale force winds with dangerous, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km per hour.
A Status Orange wind warning will be in place from midnight to 4pm on Friday.
The impacts of Storm Éowyn include:
Danger to life
Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
Unsafe working conditions
Disruption and cancellations to transport
Many fallen trees
Significant and widespread power outages
Impacts to communications networks.
Cancellation of event.
Structural damage.
Wave overtopping.
Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas
Kilkenny County Council’s severe weather assessment team convened this morning and is advising the public that Storm Éowyn will be a dangerous, destructive, nationwide multi-hazard event.
Kilkenny County Council’s severe weather assessment team will continue to monitor the situation and Council ground crews are on stand-by to put in place mitigation measures. However, Council outdoor personnel will not operate during the duration of the Status Red warning and once the warning has passed will be on site throughout the city and county as soon as it is safe to do so.
Members of the public can contact Kilkenny County Council’s Severe Weather Helpline on 056 7794145 from 8am to 5pm on Friday, January 24 after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number on 0818 399 399.
On Saturday, January 25, Kilkenny County Council’s Severe Weather Helpline will be in operation from 9am to 1pm.
Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
Key public safety messages:
During Status Red level wind warnings, the public is advised not to travel, stay indoors and shelter in place.
During Status Orange warnings, the public is advised to limit travel to essential only in areas where an orange level warning is in place. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property.
High seas; the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised flooding.
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.
The public is advised not to travel during the Status Red warnings.
Ensure insofar as possible outdoor items like bins, garden furniture, play equipment (e.g. trampolines) are secured.
Charge mobile phones and prepare for potential power outages. Have a flashlight and batteries on hand.
Roads and pathways may be hazardous due to debris and fallen trees.
Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, family or friends.
Report issues (e.g. blocked roads, etc) to the Council.
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.
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 to our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie