COPE Galway will be operating an extension of the Cold Weather Response on behalf of Galway City Council until Friday January 10, subject to weather conditions continuing.
This is in response to the Met Éireann orange weather warning, which comes into effect across the country from 8pm this evening (Tuesday ).
If you encounter a person rough sleeping at night, the COPE Galway night team can be reached nightly on (085 ) 287 8876.
The freephone number is also in operation from 7pm until 11pm each night on 1800 788 887.
During day-time hours, COPE Galway Day Centre team can be contacted on (091 ) 525 259.
An extended nightly accommodation provision will operate at from 9pm until 8.30am from tonight for the duration of the freezing spell.
In addition, COPE Galway Day Centre service at Westside is operating extended opening hours (8.30am – 8.30pm ) to ensure there is shelter, support and advice available outside of the night-time response.
Key public safety advice
Galway City Council has issued a raft of key safety messages ahead of the freezing temperatures, which are likely to continue for the rest of this week.
• Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
• Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
• Road conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted. Slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
• Cyclists need to exercise extreme caution during this cold weather spell. While key arterial routes are being gritted nightly, there are many cycle routes that may not be gritted.
• Drivers travelling longer journeys are advised to be aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.
• Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather. Check with service operators for the latest updates.
• Take extra care while walking - footpaths can be extremely hazardous/ slippery due to ice.
• People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
• All disruptions to HSE services can be found on www.HSE.ie and on HSE social media channels.
• ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie • Uisce Éireann Customers can check www.water.ie and social media channels for updates. Contact Uisce Éireann on the 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. Sign up for the free alert system for regular updates about local supplies on www.water.ie People are advised to conserve water, and visit www.water.ie for advice.
• The Be Winter Ready website provides further advice on preparing for severe weather. https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready
• Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
• Those travelling by air should allow plenty of time for their journey. Passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly.
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit www.Met.ie for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
People are also advised to check the Met Éireann website for updates on weather alerts in the coming days.
