COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 11, 2023

QUESTION NO. 9

QUESTION: Councillor L.Guéret

To ask the Chief Executive for an update on the Winter Weather Emergency Plans, particularly those affecting rural areas in our County.

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council has a number of plans in place to assist in the response to emergencies. In addition to the Winter Service Plan, which is focused primarily on works to keep our roads open during cold spells, a Flood Emergency Plan and a Severe Weather Plan outline additional mobilisation procedures and regional coordination protocols which can be implemented if required.

When a Status Orange (or above) weather warning is issued by Met Éireann, the Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT), comprised of senior operational personnel from across the organisation, meets to assess preparedness for a given weather event and to agree appropriate actions.

In the event of extremely adverse weather, the elected members, the public, and business community will be kept advised of the ongoing situation using the Council’s Website and social media accounts.

The 2023-2024 Winter Service Plan for roads, which includes the salt gritting of primary and secondary routes, to aid in safe travel during icy conditions, will be operating throughout the Winter & Christmas period.  Be Winter Ready - SDCC

A new salt bin strategy is being rolled out this year that will see a near 50% increase in the number of salt bins around the county. These salt bins are strategically placed to best serve the wider community. For up-to-date information on services, please refer to www.sdcc.ie and the council's social media sites.

The national winter ready website also has very useful information and can be found at gov.ie - Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)

The Council has maintenance crews on standby to deal with emergencies over the Christmas and Winter period.  An emergency service is provided where members of the public seeking assistance in an emergency can contact the Council's out of hours emergency number at 01- 4574907.

You can also follow the below Twitter accounts to stay updated.

https://twitter.com/sdublincoco

https://www.facebook.com/SouthDublinCountyCouncil

@emergencyIE @DubFirBrigade @ESBNetworks @MetEireann @gardainfo @GardaTraffic @IrishWater @IWCare @opwireland