Massive safety operation in place as two roads remain closed

Two roads in Laois remain impassable as the scale of damage caused by Ex Hurricane Ophelia becomes apparent today.

Over 100 council staff and retained fire fighters are currently on duty to help across the county this morning.

Roads may be closed during the day due to danger presented by obstructions.

It was confirmed that 108 calls were logged by the Severe Weather Co-ordination Centre and the Centre was operational again at 7am this morning.

Caution is being urged in relation to the danger of unstable trees and fallen debris.

The Crisis Management Team met for the eighth time this morning at 8.30am.

“Laois County Council, An Garda Siochana and HSE Crisis Management Team wish to advise that all priority routes in the county are deemed passable with care,” the latest update outlined.

Members of the public are urged to exercise caution at all times due to fallen debris and unstable trees.  The following routes are currently blocked:

•         Mountmellick to Ballyfin Rd. (R423)
•         Derrycloney to Rosenallis Rd. (Drinagh, L2097)

“Further routes may close throughout the day to deal with dangerous potential obstructions,” the Crisis Management Team said.

The scale of the safety operation undertaken in the county is also emerging.

Deployed

“From 6.30am this morning 55 area staff, 7 JCBs, 2 road sweepers, tree surgeon contractors and 4 private contractors were deployed across the county.

“They are supported by 65 retained fire fighters across 8 fire stations,” the Crisis Management Team said.

The following is the update on Water and Wastewater outages in Laois.

1. Pallas Booster Water affected areas Ballyfin and Pallas
2. The Strand Public Water Scheme
3. Coolenaugh Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants
4. Mountmellick WW Network – pumping stations at Connolly Street, Irishtown and Emmet Terrace. This issue will need to be monitored and emergency emptying may be required.
5. Knocks Water and Drim Water – affecting Mountrath
6. Arles Water and more than likely Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Please note this may not be an exhaustive list of outages.

Co-operation

“The Crisis Management Team would like to acknowledge and thank the public for their on-going co-operation,” they stated

The local number for the Severe Weather Communication Centre is 1890837273 and this has been staffed from 7am this morning.

Anyone requiring the assistance of the emergency services is advised to please dial 999 or 112.

SEE ALSO – In Pictures: The scale of Storm Ophelia damage across the county