From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group met today to discuss the impacts of the ongoing period of high temperatures and co-ordinate any cross-sector actions that may be required.

While temperatures will fall back somewhat from recent high levels, impacts will still be felt from the prolonged spell of very warm or hot and dry weather.

Status Yellow - High Temperature warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford (expiring at 8PM today).

Please check met.ie website and app for updates to forecasts as well as www.watersafety.ie and www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and the-marine.

“This is unreal weather and for so many people it’s exactly what was needed to mark the summer.

“But, and we hate to say ‘but’ when it comes to the sun in this country, it does place additional pressure on many people and certain services like water supplies.

“I am asking again that the public look out for anyone who may need assistance and to heed the advice of the HSE, Met Éireann and your local emergency services and county council updates over the weekend.

“It is hugely disappointing to me that we have seen some major damage due to fire caused by the use of disposable barbecues to Killarney National Park. It’s outrageous. It’s frustrating. It’s entirely avoidable when it’s caused by people like this. There is no excuse in my view. We have to do better here.

“Please be extra vigilant when visiting our national parks and remember disposable barbeques are not permitted. I want people to enjoy the sunshine but please do not put yourself or the environment around you in harm’s way.

“Remember when outdoors to wear a hat and stay hydrated. Be extra careful around the sea, our rivers and lakes regardless of your swimming experience or ability - please take care.”

Public safety and wildfire prevention are our immediate priorities. With a Status Orange wildfire warning in place nationally, retailers are being asked to voluntarily suspend sales of disposable barbecues for the duration of the alert. These products can pose a significant fire risk in the current dry conditions, and we are asking everyone to play their part by avoiding their use and remaining vigilant to help protect our communities, our countryside and our wildlife.

The Health Services Executive (HSE) have specific and comprehensive advice on staying safe in hot weather, which can be accessedhere.

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, Waterways Ireland and the RNLI are urging the public to stay safe and remember that water safety is not just about swimming or water sports. It is relevant to everyday activities such as coastal walks, cycling beside canals, angling, or visiting parks and beaches with family.

Drowning data shows that most accidental drownings (65%) follow land-based activities such as walking, angling, cycling, or simply spending time near the water. Now is the time for families and communities to have important conversations about staying safe near water. Awareness is a Lifesaver.

For more water safety information, contactwww.watersafety.ie.

If you’re planning an activity in or on the water, remember:

An orange Fire Danger Notice has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is currently in place until midday on Monday July 20th.

The High Temperatures will likely bring an increase in outdoor activities, and the public is reminded that everybody has a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire. If you are out and about enjoying our countryside and forests this summer, please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:

Further advice is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marinehere.

With clear sunny conditions and high temperatures forecast over the next number of days, the RSA is advising drivers to:

Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, we drop our guard.

There can be a spike in pedestrian, people who cycle and motorcyclist casualties over the summer months as the fine weather brings more people on to the roads. Drivers need to be on the lookout for them. Slow down and expect the unexpected.

Further advice is available from the Road Safety Authorityhere.

A number of water supply schemes across the country are experiencing water shortages and reduced pressure where there are low raw water sources or reservoir levels. This is due to a range of factors including high demand for water and prolonged periods of low rainfall levels.

In unique circumstances, a water conservation order (or hosepipe ban) is introduced if absolutely necessary. A number of these orders are currently in place across the country, and details can be foundhere.

The public is reminded that every individual water-saving action counts and using only what you need really helps to make a positive contribution that can benefit everyone.

Customers can contact Uisce Éireann’s 24/7 helpdesk at 1800 278 278 or visitwater.ie

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is urging farmers, horse and dog owners to take necessary steps to protect their animals during this period of hot weather.

The statement from Minister Heydon as well as advice in this area can be foundhere.