Dublin City Council has put emergency plans in place to protect homeless people from extreme temperatures in the coming days.
A high temperature warning has been issued for Ireland from Sunday, with people advised to take precautions against sunburn or heat stroke.
The yellow status will be in place from 6am on Sunday until 9pm on Tuesday, with temperatures of up to 32C possible in places on Monday.
A council spokesman said: “Dublin City Council, as the lead statutory authority in the Dublin region, coordinates the response to ensure that homeless people at risk are sheltered during any extreme weather event.
Temperatures are expected to soar in Ireland in the coming days (Julien Behal/PA)
(PA archive)
“In response to the hot weather warning expected over the coming days, arrangements are in place with service providers to ensure that temporary shelter continues to be available for all who wish to access it.
“The DRHE-funded Dublin Street Outreach Service and Housing First Reception Team (provided by the Dublin Simon & Peter McVerry Trust) will engage with people at risk of rough sleeping to provide shelter for anyone in need from him.”
Outreach teams will distribute water and sunscreen, provide shelter as needed, and encourage people to take care of the sun.
They will also use social media to ask the public to report people sleeping rough during the hot weather.
The council encouraged anyone in urgent need of accommodation to contact their local authority or the homelessness services freephone number – 1800 707 707.
Met Eireann said the “extremely warm weather” would see daytime temperatures of 25-30C.
We want to prevent accidents as much as possible, so that if someone gets into trouble in the water, they can get the help they need quickly
Barry Ward
Temperatures at night will be from 15° to 20°.
Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward said people should be mindful of the importance of safety around coasts and inland waterways.
He said: “As the heatwave continues in Ireland, there is an increased demand for emergency services; the coastguard, lifeboat and other emergency services face additional pressure.
“Met Eireann has issued an advisory heat warning for the whole country, with temperatures set to reach 30C. Beaches and lakes around Ireland are likely to be busier than ever.
“Swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing and using our marine leisure facilities is an integral part of the good weather, but we must always remember that it is easy to get into trouble on the water.
“We know we need to protect our skin from the sun, but we also need to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers that can be present in and around the water.
“Following the tragic death of a teenager who had difficulty swimming in Howth this week, we must all work to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again anywhere in Ireland this weekend.
“We want to prevent accidents as much as possible so that if someone gets into trouble in the water, they can get the help they need quickly.
“We don’t want to see a situation where emergency services are too busy to come to the aid of swimmers, divers or boaters, so help our emergency services by making sure you don’t need their help .”
Meanwhile, Irish Water has reminded people in several counties to watch their water usage as some supplies experience increased demand during a period of hot weather.
We’re just asking people to be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone
James O’Toole, Irish Water
James O’Toole from Irish Water said: “We are appealing to the public in Carlow and Kilkenny to be careful how they use their water at home as we have had a very dry spell recently and temperatures are expected to soar this weekend.
“As the busy summer holiday season approaches, many people will be out and about a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars.
“We’re just asking that people be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone during the day and that the businesses of both counties can function optimally.”
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