Minister O’Keeffe to allow schools to reopen tomorrow

Arising from an update on the weather, the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, has decided that the normal arrangements whereby schools decide to open or close based on local circumstances should be re-instated.

This means that schools in a position to open tomorrow [Tuesday] should do so. Minister O’Keeffe took his decision based on weather advice given to this morning’s meeting of the Government’s emergency planning group and the unexpected rise in temperatures that has occurred in parts of the country.

Council Sets Up Water Collection Points In County Limerick

Limerick County Council announced this evening it has set up static standpipes in response to water shortages brought on by frozen pipes in various parts of the County.

Water is being provided at four strategic locations, namely Dooradoyle Library and Council Area Offices in Newcastle West, Kilmallock and Annacotty. The standpipes will be in operation from 10am to 4pm tomorrow Monday and until further notice.

Local Area Office contact details (9.30am-4.30pm):
County Hall, Dooradoyle - 061 49 60 00 (Normal Office Hours)
Annacotty Area Office - 061 33 15 44
Kilmallock Area Office - 063 98 01 9/063 98 34 9
Rathkeale Area Office - 069 6412 9
Newcastle West - 069 62100

For out-of-office hours emergencies, members of the public may contact the Council’s emergency telephone 061-419226. Limerick County Council’s website www.lcc.ie also is updated regularly.

Heavy Snow In Clare Leads To Difficult Driving Conditions

Clare County Council says that national primary routes throughout County Clare are passable with caution this evening as heavy snow continues to affect many parts of the County.

Lying snow is reported throughout the County, with elevated areas of East, North and West Clare most severely affected. Conditions on Secondary routes, which had improved over the weekend, have deteriorated significantly today and the Council is urging road users to exercise the utmost caution.

The Council is continuing to salt and grit over 550 kilometres of County Clare’s main road network on a daily basis. It says it has sufficient rock salt supplies at present to continue current gritting operations until midweek.

The Council is advising road users to exercise extreme caution on all routes, especially secondary roads. Members of the public are also urged to avoid frozen waterways, including lakes and ponds. The Local Authority says that some people were ignoring the warnings and putting their lives at risk by venturing on to frozen water surfaces.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council is providing water from static standpipes at strategic locations in Ennis and Shannon. Water is being provided at strategic locations in Ennis and Shannon. The standpipes are operating 8am to 8pm until further notice.

Demand for water in Clare has increased by approximately 20 per cent since mid December with most of the Council’s water treatment plants at or near production capacity. The ongoing cold weather has led to water pipes being frozen at various locations, particularly within private housing schemes and individual properties, resulting in water shortages.

Static Standpoints:

Ennis
• Gort Road Industrial Estate
• Cahercalla Estate, Kilrush Road
• White Park, Cappahard, Tulla Road
• Clarecastle Church
Shannon
• Fire Station
• Shannon Lodge Hotel, Ballycasey
• Drumgeely Shops near the Crossroads Inn

Clare County Council is operating a dedicated number (087-6377770) to deal with water related queries. The helpline is in operation from 8am to 8pm. Members of the public who have non-water emergencies should call 087-4169496. Clare County Council’s website www.clarecoco.ie also is updated on a daily basis.

Local Area Office contact details (9am-5pm):
• Ennis area office - (065) 6869534
• Ennistymon area office - (065) 7071017
• Kilrush area office - (065) 9051047
• Scariff area office - (061) 640815
• Shannon area office - (061) 362319
• Clare County Council Corporate Headquarters - (065) 6846337