Statement from the Executive on severe weather

Date published: 24 January 2025

Working in the most difficult of conditions, our front line staff have performed heroics over the last 24 hours and we thank them for everything they have done and are doing. We are in their debt.

The position remains very challenging with approximately 214,000 homes without power and temperatures forecast to fall close to or below freezing.

Many roads are blocked with fallen trees, power lines and debris. More than 2000 obstructions on the road network have been reported including 873 on our motorways and class A, B and C roads.

Ministers have thanked the public for following the advice and have encouraged them to continue to do everything to stay safe. Consider if your journey is really necessary particularly as further severe weather alerts including snow and ice and strong winds are expected.

The Executive is committed to doing everything it can to return the situation to normal as quickly as possible.

The recovery operation will take time, will impact on the running of our public services and will have significant financial implications.

But we will continue to work together and will leave no stone unturned to get the support necessary.

The Executive tonight agreed to write to the Prime Minister to ask for assistance in dealing with the impacts of the storm.

The issue of practical support has also been raised with the Tánaiste by the First Minister.