CRECHES and school-age childcare services will close tomorrow as “multi-hazard” conditions destroy the country.
Red, orange and yellow weather alerts have been issued across the country as damaging gusts, rain and snow hit.
Creches in seven counties will remain closed tomorrow as damaging weather continues to batter Ireland.
Childcare services will shut in red alert counties Cork and Kerry and counties Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, where there are orange snow and wind warnings in place.
All other counties may open creches but should be cautious of local weather and dangerous driving conditions.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth today issued a statement to inform parents of their decision to shut childcare services tomorrow.
They said their decision stems from the “extreme nature of Storm Eunice and the threat of multi-hazard weather events”.
Extreme gusts, heavy sleet and blizzard-like conditions can lead to treacherous driving conditions and put parents and children at risk.
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The department added: “The storm is expected to impact most during early morning commuting hours and this will make journeys to ELC and SAC services extremely hazardous in the morning.”
All ELC and SAC services are advised to keep up-to-date with their local weather warnings and in particular, any change in the status warning for their area.
SCHOOLS SHUT
Meanwhile, schools in seven counties under red and orange warnings will also close tomorrow.
Cork and Kerry will be under the highest alert from 3am to 8am on Friday
Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Munster, Galway will be covered under an orange alert from 3am to 11am on Friday.
An orange snow alert is also in place for Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and will be vaild from 3am to 3pm tomorrow.
ROAD ALERT
The RSA has issued travel advice for all Irish road users as conditions worsen.
Those residing in counties placed on red alert are advised not to travel during the storm, especially drivers of high-sided vehicles, as they are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
People in areas affected by orange weather warnings are being asked to consider postponing their journey until the storm has passed.
While others in yellow status counties should be aware of very strong winds and falls of heavy rain, sleet and snow with some disruption likely to follow coastal and spot flooding.
