The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has urged farmers, fishers and people in rural areas to be extra vigilant and take precautions as Storm Barra approaches the country.

The exact impact of the storm is yet to be determined but the minister said that it is important that sensible steps are taken in advance rather than when it arrives.

Storm Barra will bring very strong and disruptive winds and heavy rain to Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the strongest and most impactful winds expected across western areas.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Red wind warning for counties Cork, Kerry and Clare tomorrow (Tuesday, December 7), as Storm Barra is expected to bring severe and damaging wind gusts in excess of 130km/h. 

A Status Orange wind warning is also in place for many western counties and some eastern counties, with a Status Yellow wind warning covering the rest of the country. 

A Status Yellow rain warning is also in place nationwide, as the strong winds from Storm Barra are accompanied by heavy rain.

Many marts and events in the south west of the country have already been cancelled as a result of the weather warning.

Minister McConalogue said: “I am urging everyone to think safety first as we face into Storm Barra. This is set to be one of the strongest storms we have seen in some time.

"The fishing fleet is particularly impacted as the force of the storm will be felt most along the western coastline. Fishers should take particular care, heed all weather warnings and ensure vessels are securely berthed in advance of the storm.

"More generally people should stay back from the shoreline and remain on high ground," McConalogue added.

Minister of State with responsibility for farm safety, Martin Heydon, added: “Staying safe on the farm is the main focus of this year’s 'Be Winter Ready' campaign.

"Farming is a high-risk occupation, and it is even more so when severe weather arrives. So, take the time to ensure that you and your farm are prepared for the approaching Storm Barra," the junior minister added.

"Wait until the storm abates to check on livestock or anything that may have become loose or displaced, wear a high-vis jacket, bring a mobile phone and make sure someone knows where you are going." 

Minister Heydon ended by asking people to check on elderly neighbours in rural areas and most importantly, to avoid any risks.

Minister Heydon is also reminding landowners of the dangers of fallen trees, in particular the impact this can have on electric wires.

He said that the assessment of damage in such circumstances should only be carried out by appropriately trained professionals from the ESB.

Where ESB cables are not impacted, great care should be taken in removing such trees and especially in the use of chainsaws.

For animal welfare issues connected with severe weather, the minister is advising animal owners to keep in touch with advisorS or contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Animal Welfare Helpline on:

DAFM public offices in Status Red areas, such as Cork, Kerry and Clare will be closed.

The main objectives of the ‘Be Winter-Ready’ information campaign are:

The 'Be Winter Ready leaflet' included the following important points that are of particular relevance in the face of Storm Barra:

The Irish Coast Guard, Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána and local authorities have issued the following public safety advice: