THE Kerry Local Coordination Group met this afternoon to discuss Storm Ophelia and the Code Level Red weather warning for Kerry which is in place from 9am Monday to 3am Tuesday.

The meeting included representatives from Kerry County Council, the HSE, University Hospital Kerry, Kerry Fire and Rescue and Kerry Civil Defence.

The meeting took account of the decisions of the National Emergency Coordination Committee today and has issued the following advice:

·         People in Kerry are advised NOT to travel during the period in which the Status Red weather warning is in place – from 9am on Monday to 3am on Tuesday. People are advised not to travel on pedal cycles and motor cycles, as these types of vehicles are not suitable for use in the storm force winds expected. High-sided vehicles should not travel.

·         The Council is asking people to avoid exposed coastal and upland areas including beaches and cliffs.

·         It is likely that there will be storm surges in tidal areas and therefore residents and businesses in areas subject to tidal flooding are advised to take measures to protect their property.

While it is anticipated that wind rather than rain will be the main concern, there is a Code Level Orange rainfall warning in place from 9am Monday and 9am Tuesday.

Sandbags have been placed at a number of locations around the county on a precautionary basis. Full details are available on the Kerry County Council website www.kerrycoco.ie

·         People are advised and encouraged to check their own property today, Sunday 15 October and ensure that steps are taken to secure any loose objects on their property, for example, garden furniture, wheelie bins, etc., that could be damaged, or if blown, could cause significant damage, during the storm.

We also ask that you look in on your elderly and vulnerable relatives/neighbour who may not be in a position to secure their property.

Similarly, business and those operating building sites are requested to attend to any property that could become loose during the course of the storm.

·         It is envisaged that there will be significant damage caused by winds, especially in terms of fallen branches and trees, with the additional issues surrounding loss of electricity to a substantial number of homes and businesses.

People should make appropriate arrangements with an expectation that electricity outages could last a number of days.

·         Kerry County Council Civic Amenity Sites operated by Kerry County Council will be closed on Monday. There will be no refuse collection in Killarney town.

·         An emergency contact number is available on 066 7183588 for use in an emergency where the assistance of Kerry County Council is required.

Kerry County Council is asking people to pay attention to local media and to follow its social media accounts for updates. Information is also available on alerts.kerrycoco.ie. and on the main Kerry County Council website www.kerrycoco.ie