The HSE South West has advised that there will be significant disruption to health services in light of the weather warning associated with Storm Éowyn.
All non-urgent clinics and appointments in Kerry and Cork have been cancelled.
The advice is that nobody should be outdoors for the duration of the weather warning and that conditions will be remain difficult after the alert has passed.
While critical health services will continue, the message to the public is not to travel to appointments tomorrow. All non-urgent clinics and appointments are cancelled and appointments in people’s homes will not go ahead during the red warning.
Those that have any doubt are asked not to travel during the conditions and to telephone the office or person who made the appointment. All appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
Critical emergency services, including ambulances, emergency departments, dialysis, oncology treatment and prenatal care for pregnant mothers, will continue to run but people should only travel to an emergency department for serious illnesses and injuries, including life-threatening emergencies.
HSE South West Regional Executive Officer, Dr Andy Phillips, said that every possible effort is being made to keep staff and patients safe, while maintaining essential services.
He said HSE staff across Kerry and Cork are going to incredible lengths to maintain essential services, with detailed contingency plans in place.
Kerry County Council has confirmed that its offices and amenities will be closed on Friday but crews will be on standby to respond to issues arising from the storm.
“Our primary focus, when it is safe to do so, is to commence the recovery and clean-up and deal with the issues which arise and this significant challenge will continue through the weekend,” a spokesperson said.
All libraries, civic amenity sites, public toilets and council controlled parks, playgrounds and skate parks will be close son Friday as will greenways, Ballyseedy Woods and the Tralee Wetlands.
The council will operate a helpline in the event of emergencies and it can be contacted on 066-718-3588 from midnight until 5.00pm on Friday.
In Killarney, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has decided to close Muckross House and Gardens, the national park at Knockreer and Killarney House and Gardens on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has urged farmers and people in rural areas to take precautions and prepare for the approaching Storm Éowyn.
It is important that steps are taken in advance to minimise the risks to people, livestock and property when the storm arrives.
The department is urging everyone to follow closely the advice of the authorities noting farmers should check that buildings and loose objects are secure. By ensuring that livestock have shelter, feed and access to water, working during dangerous conditions can be avoided.
“All animal keepers should prepare for a potential power cut on their premises. Farms that use automated infrastructure such as feeders or ventilation systems should ensure that back-up systems such as electricity generators are working properly,” a spokesman said.
Farmers should not put their safety at risk by attempting to carry out repairs or remove fallen trees or branches during stormy conditions. Following the storm, removing fallen trees or branches should only be undertaken by operators with the skills and the personal protective equipment to carry out the work safely.
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