Storm Response

The government has activated the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) in response to Storm Chandra and its impact.

The NECG brings together all government departments and response agencies, including local authorities, ESB Networks, Eirgrid, Irish Water, and emergency services.

An Emergency Response Payment is available to people living in counties directly affected by Storm Chandra flooding.

The scheme is currently open in counties:

• Carlow
• Dublin
• Kilkenny
• Louth
• Monaghan
• Waterford
• Wexford
• Wicklow.

The scheme is managed by the Department of Social Protection and was formerly called the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

It provides financial support for people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet emergency costs for essential needs, household items, and structural repair.

The scheme does not provide a general compensation payment for damage or losses incurred as a consequence of a weather event, nor does it cover damage or losses that are insured under home insurance policies or would reasonably be expected to have been covered by an insurance policy.

If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.

You can get full details on the Emergency Response Payment is at https://www.gov.ie/has

The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is seeking Government approval to open the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme for small businesses of up to 20 employees, as well as community, voluntary and sporting bodies, which have experienced damage as a result of flooding.

Support under this scheme can include replacing flooring, fixtures and fittings, and damaged stock if relevant.

Once opened, links to information and application forms for support will be available here.

Weather updates

Monitor Met Éireann forecasts - conditions may change quickly. Visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information.Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources.Check Local Authority websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.

Road information

Heed signage for roads closed.Do not drive through floodwater - turn back and use another route.Allow for disruption when commuting over the coming days and check with your service provider before travel.Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.

Coasts and waterways

Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals - water levels may rise quickly.Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide.The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

Public awareness

Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.

ESB Networks

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately.ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.The public can monitor https://www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.

Uisce Éireann

Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278.The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see https://www.water.ie.

Revenue

Revenue's advice to taxpayers and businesses impacted by the disruption caused by Storm Chandra is to contact the Collector-General's office, once their circumstances allow, to agree mutually suitable arrangements to restore timely tax compliance.Revenue's Collector-General's office can be contacted on 01 738 3663, or through MyEnquiries.