Wexford County Council – Press Release Friday 13 March 2020.

Council puts Measures in place to reduce COVID 19 Risks

The situation in relation to Covid-19 is evolving on a continual basis and it is likely to be several weeks or more before we see the peak for the virus and its abatement.  During this time it is very important that the Council continues to provide essential public services to serve the people of County Wexford. As we work through this crisis our key priorities are to maintain essential services to the public, provide assistance and support where necessary to the HSE while safeguarding the health and safety of our staff.

As stated by the Taoiseach it is important to note that the disease effects will be mild for the majority of people - especially the young and healthy.  It is also important to remember that we have come through previous crises such as foot and mouth disease and severe weather events and that in time we will get through the current crisis and get back to normal again.

While a decision may be taken to restrict public access to Council buildings, it is not intended at this time to close Council Offices. However some measures to limit and delay possible spread of COVID 19 have been put in place by the Council until 29th March:-

            Close all Public Libraries
            Close Council Tourist Attractions
            Close Council Swimming Pools
            Close Public Playgrounds

Public parks and open spaces remain open to the public together with all public beaches

In addition, other tourist attractions and buildings supported by Wexford County Council, including Hook Heritage, Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford Arts Centre, Dunbrody Visitor Centre and Kennedy Homestead have also closed for the above period. Other measures will be needed in the coming days and weeks.

The Council continues to implement social distancing in our workplaces and we are increasing preparations for remote working. 
            
The next number of weeks will no doubt be difficult with unprecedented challenges.  However, please be assured that all of us working in Wexford County Council will play our part in supporting all the people and communities in the county, particularly those who are most vulnerable, in getting through the current crisis.

The Council’s Management Team is meeting each day and we are receiving regular updates from the Local Government Management Agency and the National Public Health Emergency Team in relation to the national response to deal with Covid-19.  

As the situation continues to change and develop, Wexford County Council reassures the public that we have made all arrangements necessary to ensure that our essential public services continue to operate during this challenging time. Contingency plans are in place for all of our services, with priority assigned to maintaining essential services such as:

•    water supply
•    fire services
•    sewerage treatment
•    provision of homeless services
•    customer services and support
•    essential and emergency repairs to roads, water services and housing

Key staff have been nominated to ensure the delivery of these essential services, with arrangements for back-up staff also in place in the event of unavoidable staff absences.

The provision of all other non-essential services will be subject to daily review.

While Wexford County Council continues to facilitate appointments to our public offices members of the public are encouraged to only visit these offices if absolutely necessary and instead to use our various online and telephone services as much as possible. 

Our Customer Services department can be contacted as follows:

T:         053 91 96000 during office hours, 
E:         customerservices@wexfordcoco.ie

Wexford County Council’s Out-of-Hours Emergency Line is also available on 1890 666777 while queries by post can also be made in the usual manner. 

General information on Wexford County Council services can be found by visiting www.wexfordcoco.ie.

It is possible that further disruption to Council non-essential services may occur in the weeks and months ahead. Where this happens, we will communicate to our customers and to the public through local radio, local papers, our website and Twitter. 

MapAlerter will also carry details of any unavoidable reduction in our services and anyone who has not yet done so is encouraged to register for MapAlerter services without delay so that they can be kept up to date and fully informed at all times.

As always in such times of challenge, members of the public must play their part in the overall response and in this regard, the on-going advice of the HSE, particularly in relation to personal hygiene, social distancing, reporting of symptoms etc. should continue to be followed. The public is reminded that the requirement to follow social distancing recommendations applies to children as well as adults.

Members of the public should continue to exercise patience and understanding as together we deal with this on-going situation. The challenges before us necessitate a community-wide response in terms of cooperation, collaboration and support and a sensible, level-headed and responsible approach from everybody is required.

For further advice on Covid-19 please see the following link:

https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidanc...