Wexford County Council’s Crisis Management Team met earlier today to review preparedness for Storm Callum. The meeting was attended by senior staff of the Council and also by representatives of an Garda Siochana.

A range of public safety issues were discussed, including flooding, road maintenance, water services, shelter for vulnerable and homeless persons, safety of piers, harbous and coastal areas, electricity supply issues, and public information.

Wexford County Council has considerable experience in managing severe weather events and we wish to assure the public that we taking all steps necessary to ensure public safety and minimise disruption during this severe weather event. Our preparations include:

•    erection of flood defence barriers in Wexford, New Ross, Arthurstown and Ballyhack
•    filling and stockpiling of 5000 sandbags for use if required
•    civil defence – personnel and equipment placed on standby
•    continuous cleaning of gullies and shores to minimise local flooding
•    additional call centre staff on standby to deal with emergency calls
•    fire services and local emergency crews placed on standby
•    provision of additional beds at Ozanam House, Wexford, to accommodate persons currently “sleeping rough”
•    contact with ESB Networks in the interest of continuity of electricity supply to key public infrastructure

Storm Callum and the associated Orange Weather warning is a significant weather event and members of the public should not be complacent in their preparations for the storm, with the most severe weather forecasted to pass through Wexford between 10am tonight and 9am tomorrow.

As the storm approaches, Wexford County Council offers the following key public information messages

•    Avoid unnecessary travel, especially at the height of the storm
•    If you must travel, exercise extreme caution – expect the unexpected – especially localised flooding, falling/fallen debris and on-coming vehicles veering across the road
•    Stay away from the coast and from exposed piers, harbours and cliffs during the storm Do not risk your own life or the lives of the emergency services who may have to attempt to rescue you, by visiting these areas

For more updates see @Wexfordcoco (Twitter), visit our website www.wexfordcoco.ieand stay tuned to TV and local radio.

Remember, if you wish to report an emergency to Wexford County Council you can do so as follows:

•    Telephone us during office hours – 053 91 96000
•    Telephone our Out-of-Hours Emergency Line 1890 666777
•    Email us – customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie