Think safety first when walking outdoors in Waterford

Waterford City & County Council is advising people to 'think safety first' before walking in the great outdoors given the recent bad weather and heavy rainfall.

A spokesperson for the Council said the local authority is advising those venturing outdoors to exercise caution.

Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer with Waterford City and County Council, said: "There is an abundance of fantastic coastal, mountain and woodland trails throughout the city and county. However, heavy and persistent rainfall have left the ground saturated, and this can create significant hazards for walkers."

"Heavy rain can cause the ground to become boggy and liable to subsidence and landslips," said Mr Brunnock.

"The risk of accidents is also increased as steep ground becomes slippery, and loose rock and mud can be difficult and dangerous to encounter," he added.

“Woodland trails can often be hazardous after weather events with fallen trees and swollen rivers and streams.” 

He also said planning is crucial when it comes to venturing out on walks and advised people to be particularly vigilant around coastal and upland cliffs, riverbanks, streams, woodlands and steel slopes.

He said the ground is currently saturated and could be liable to subsidence and landslips.

Waterford Council also highlighted that heavy rain causes loose rocks, mud, and steep ground to become very slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.

The spokesperson said: "Always be prepared for your walk by planning ahead, know your route, let others know your planned route, have the required skills, be properly equipped and know the weather forecast – particularly any official weather warnings [such as] Yellow/Orange or Red."

Mr. Brunnock added: “We would also reiterate the advice of the Irish Coast Guard to always, ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’, from coastal areas during severe weather, storms or high tides as breaking waves and overtopping can be extremely dangerous.”

In cases of emergency call 999 or 112 immediately.

Watch a video below as Storm Chandra caused high seas to lash the Waterford coast at Dunmore East.