Coast Guard warnings to ‘stay back, stay high and stay dry’

Members of the public have been asked to exercise extreme caution when walking along exposed seafronts and piers, given the expected high tides and inclement weather

Members of the public have been asked to exercise extreme caution when walking along exposed seafronts and piers, given the expected high tides and inclement weather over coming days. The combination of high tides, both inland and offshore, and winds of up to 80km/h pose a safety risk to people in coastal areas, with Met Éireann warning of "exceptionally high waves" on Atlantic and southern coasts.

The Coast Guard is urging people to “stay back, stay high and stay dry” after it released a storm warning for all vessels off the west and south coast yesterday.

"We have had a number of deaths this year when members of the public, who would not have been used to being on exposed rocks or piers, are suddenly overwhelmed by a wave and pulled into the sea," said Coast Guard director Chris Reynolds.

“The seas will be at their most treacherous in the afternoon on the east coast, and early evening on the south and west. “There are no rogue waves, only unpredictable ones. So please exercise extreme caution over the next 36 hours particularly if you are with young children,” he added.

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There were reports yesterday of waves breaking over sea walls and piers in different parts of the country. Galway City Council has confirmed that the Salthill Promenade will be closed to traffic between noon and 8pm today.