An orange status weather warning remains in place for county Laois as council staff continue to battle the elements.
“All Laois County Council outdoors crews are deployed at present, working mainly on county and local roads. The focus yesterday was on main roads, town centre locations where footpaths were cleared, as well as footpaths near schools, hospitals and medical centres across the county,” a spokesperson for the council said.
“Laois County Council wishes to acknowledge the support of contractors, the agricultural sector, building contractors and private individuals with access to plant and machinery who supported us in our efforts to unblock as many local and county roads as possible and support the emergency services in reaching locations where incidents are arising.
“We also wish to acknowledge the support of 42 personnel from the Defence Forces who greatly assisted the efforts yesterday,” they added.
Blocked
The road network is currently being reviewed and Laois County Council is conscious that there remain locations on some local minor roads where roads remain blocked due to large snow accumulations.
“We ask for your continued patience as Laois County Council crews endeavour, with the support of contractors, to clear these blocked routes as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
With regard to any potential flooding risk, the council continues to monitor river levels at this time. These levels remain low and will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
Please be advised if you require the assistance of the emergency services please dial 999. The local number for the Severe Weather Communication Centre is 1890837273.
We would ask the public to check https://www.winterready.ie/en for information and advice on how to deal with potential adverse weather conditions affecting homeowners, businesses, farming community etc. Please also check on the elderly and isolated neighbours and friends and ensure they have adequate stocks of food and fuel.
For Further Information please visit www.laois.ie
Elsewhere, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan paid tribute to the work of the County Council in Laois.
He said: “Following recent weather event caused by the snow fall and Storm Emma, I wish to acknowledge the work carried out by Laois County Council over the past number of days.
“Most of the county is now returning to normal but that challenges remain in some areas.
“I wish to sincerely John Mulholland and Laois County Council, the Fire Service, the Army, Laois Civil Defence who worked closely with An Garda Siochanna under the leadership of Chief Superintendent John Scanlon.
“In particular I wish to pay tribute to large number of community volunteers, Laois IFA & farm organisations for their community engagement and to the many farmers who gave up their time and specialist equipment to clear the roads to allow access for vital services.
“In addition, I wish to acknowledge the many medical and ambulance staff in Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise who travelled to work in very difficult circumstances, many of who had to take up temporary accommodation in Portlaoise for many nights, due to the treacherous road conditions.”
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