Substantial disruption is likely in Dublin as a result of Storm Éowyn, with public transport to be shut down while the Red weather warning is in place, schools closed all day and many businesses seriously impacted.
Transport for Ireland has said no buses, trains or trams will operate for the duration of the Red weather warning, which is expected to run from 6am to 11am on Friday in Dublin and neighbouring counties. It said there will be “severe” disruption in the hours afterwards, as services get up and running.
Dublin Bus says disruption to its services may start several hours before the Red warning takes effect, with night services set to be curtailed in order to allow drivers to get their vehicles back to garages and return home safely.
Schools have been told by the Department of Education to close for the day and academic activities at third-level institutions have also been cancelled, although some college facilities may open later in the day.
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Technological University Dublin said all of its campuses will be closed all day, but Dublin City University said things “will very much depend on the ferocity of the storm, the extent of the damage and how quickly our estates team are able to assess all of the buildings across our campuses”.
Many public-facing businesses such as retail outlets may open later, in line with safety warnings impacting staffing and public transport disruption.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group has said “employers in Red warning areas should facilitate working from home for all employees who can do so”.
“Only emergency service workers should be leaving home for work, where directed by their employer,” it said.
Mary Connaughton, of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: “The fact that Storm Éowyn is arriving on a Friday means we can hope the worst disruption will have been resolved over the weekend, but it’s important employers are prepared.”
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