The Local Co-ordination Group (LCG) comprising of Limerick City and County Council, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces have met again this morning (Fri 02 Mar 2018) to review plans following the overnight arrival of Storm Emma.
The group is reminding people that the status RED weather alert for snow and ice for Limerick remains in place until 6pm this evening (Fri 02 Mar) and is encouraging people to avoid any unnecessary travel and heed the warnings that are in place.
Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution and are reminded that untreated roads can be treacherous due to an accumulation and compacting of snow.
Snow plough and gritting crews have been working along the strategic route network across the city and county since early this morning and will continue this afternoon and early evening as long as the weather permits.
Crews are working as fast as the weather conditions allow to make sure that the strategic routes are clear.
However, it has been snowing persistently since early this morning.
Temperatures are expected to fall to minus 3 degrees tonight, but should raise to around +3 to +5 degrees on Saturday.
The Defence Forces are helping bring patients in need of dialysis to their treatment centres and have also been involved in transporting nurses to UHL for their shift and bringing Community Public Health nurses to visit their patients.
Limerick Civil Defence have also helped in transporting staff to hospitals and remain on standby to offer assistance.
The Emergency Department at UHL, Injury Units at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s and Medical Assessment Units at UHL, Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s are operating as normal today (Friday) and over the weekend. The Maternity Emergency Unit at University Maternity Hospital Limerick is also operating on a 24-hour basis.
All elective surgery and outpatient appointments are cancelled in the majority of cases across UL Hospitals Group today.
The Group is working with National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to provide transport for some dialysis patients who require their treatment today and to transport three nurses into UHL for their shift tonight.
Whilst we are not operating with a full staffing complement, we currently have adequate staffing cover across all our sites to deliver safe patient care.
Staff are available at the following numbers to address any patient concerns:
• University Hospital Limerick 061 585756
• University Maternity Hospital Limerick 061 483144
• Ennis Hospital 065 6863320
• Nenagh Hospital 067 42366
• St John’s Hospital 061 462222
• Croom Orthopaedic Hospital 061 397276
Adverse weather conditions are presenting difficulties for patients who are ready for discharge today and we are working with the National Ambulance Service to try where possible and appropriate to help people to get home.
All routine Community Healthcare and Hospital services across Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary are deferred today. Only the most essential homecare and community nursing services are being prioritised for delivery to older people and people with disabilities from this evening. Specialised services for complex paediatrics at home are continuing.
Limerick City and County Council Offices, including libraries, museums and galleries remain closed until Monday 05 March at 9am. The People's Park, Clare St Park, Shelbourne Park, Mungret Park and Castletroy Park are closed until on Saturday 03 March, weather permitting.
Essential services will continue to be provided and the council can be contacted on 061 556000 or for out of hours emergencies on 061 417833.
For any water issues, e.g. leaks, loss of water, dirty water, sewage issues, the LCG is advising people to contact Irish Water on 1850 278 278 or check their websitewww.water.ie.
Gardaí are advising people to exercise caution when venturing outside, as the roads are dangerous.
The public office of the Limerick Homeless Action Team (LHAT) in John’s Square is open as normal today.
The Limerick Homeless Action Team can be contacted on 061 481212 during normal business hours or the out of hours number is 1800 606060.
LHAT is continuing to liaise with the emergency housing providers and additional capacity has been made available to anyone who may seek assistance over the period of severe weather.
For more information about being prepared for adverse weather conditions, visitwww.winterready.ie.
The Local Co-ordination Group is part of #LKWorkingTogether, Limerick’s public services working together.