All schools ordered to remain closed tomorrow as Status Red weather alert issued for entire country
Met Eireann have tonight issued a full Red Weather Alert for the entire country as preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Ophelia continue.
As a result the Department of Education has confirmed that all primary and secondary schools will be closed on Monday, October 16.
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING LEVEL RED FOR IRELAND.https://t.co/9BeK3UcAwO
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 15, 2017
In a statement issued tonight a spokesperson said: "In response to the imminent Storm Ophelia, the Department Of Education And Skills is now publicly informing all schools, colleges and other education institutions that they are to remain closed tomorrow, Monday 16 October.
"This decision has been made following discussions with members of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and in light of the advice from Met Eireann on this unprecedented storm.
“All schools and colleges will be closed tomorrow.”
Locally, Cllr Dermot Richardson has opened the doors of Tallaght Adventure World to rough sleepers, and is tonight seeking volunteers who may be able to help.
In a post on the VISIT Homeless Charity page tonight a spokesperson said: “Due to tomorrow’s extreme weather conditions all rough sleepers are invited to Tallaght Adventure World overnight.
“We hope to find out first thing in the morning if there are enough beds and a back up plan from the council.
“We urgently need volunteers to help. Please contact the page or call Dermot on 087-2036464 or Nicola on 087-3679223.”
Elsewhere, South Dublin County Council have been issuing important advice and contact numbers as Hurricane Ophelia approaches.
Some numbers to note down as #Ophelia prepares to hit Ireland. Stay safe everyone! pic.twitter.com/P75MIgyOST
— South Dublin Co Co (@sdublincoco) October 15, 2017
Residents are urged to remove any loose items from outside their homes and store them safely.
Gardai have also been urging the public not to make any unnecessary journeys, and have warned those driving high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists to take extra care.
Meanwhile, Dublin Fire Brigade are asking for those close to elderly or isolated neighbours to make contact with them and help them prepare for what could potentially be a catastrophic weather event.
Check out Echo.ie through the night and tomorrow morning for local updates as we get them.
