Key County Council services will continue

Wexford County Council offered public reassurance and appealed for co-operation as it closed down libraries and playgrounds and announced its intention to maintain key services while protecting the health of staff.

‘ 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 of the virus and its abatement’, said Director of Communications David Minogue.

‘As we work through this crisis, our key priorities are to maintain essential services to the public and provide assistance and support where necessary to the HSE while safeguarding the health and safety or our staff.’

A decision may be taken later to restrict public access to Council buildings but for the moment, local authority offices are remaining open.

However, the following services have been closed until March 29 to limit the possible spread of COVID 19 - all public libraries, Council tourist attractions, Council swimming pools and public playgrounds.

Other tourist attractions and buildings supported by the County Council have also closed, including the Irish National Heritage Park, Hook Heritage Centre, Wexford Arts Centres, Dunbrody Visitor Centre and the Kennedy Homestead.

It is expected that other measures will be needed in the coming days and weeks, according to the local authority spokesman.

‘ 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’, he said.

Wexford County has assured the public that all essential services will continue to operate with priority given to maintaining water supply, fire services, sewerage treatment, provision of homeless services, customer services and support and essential and emergency repairs to road, water, services and housing.

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

‘ The provision of all other non-essential services will be subject to daily review’, said the Communications Director.

The Council is continuing to facilitate appointments to public offices but people are encouraged to only visit if absolutely necessary and to use online and telephone services as much as possible.

The Customer Services department can be contacted on 053 9196000 during office hours and also at customerservices@ wexfordcoco.ie.

Wexford County Council’s out-of-hours Emergency Line is available on 1890 666777.

The Council spokesman said it is possible that further disruption to non-essential local authority services will take place in the weeks and months ahead and this will be communicated to the public as it arises.

MapAlerter will have information on any reduction in services and anyone who hasn’t arleady done so is encouraged to sign up for the service.

Appealing for community-wide support, he said: ‘Members of the public must play their part in the overall response and the ongoing advice of the HSE, particularly in relation to personal hygiene, social distancing and reporting of symptoms, 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 ongoing 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’

‘As stated by the Taoiseach, it important to note that the disease affects will be mild for the majority of people - especially the young and healthy’, said Mr. Minogue.

‘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.’