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16th Oct 2017

VIDEO: Swimmers take to the sea in Salthill in hazardous conditions caused by #Ophelia

Local officials were prompted to warn people to stay away from the sea.

Conor Heneghan

Salthill

Galway City Council have been urging people to remain indoors.

At least two swimmers were filmed swimming in the sea on the promenade in Salthill in Galway on Monday, despite a status red weather warning having been issued for the entire country until early on Tuesday morning.

Galway was one of eight counties to be issued with the status red weather warning before it was extended to the entire country on Sunday, but that didn’t stop swimmers for going for a morning swim at the well-known Blackrock pier in Salthill.

Clips via Twitter/Ryan Crowell via Storyful

Galway City Council advised on Monday morning that the promenade and car parks in Salthill would be closed and that Salthill promenade would be closed to traffic from 11am.

A statement issued by Galway City Council at 1pm on Monday afternoon read: “The Local Coordination Group for Galway City continues to meet in City Hall. The group consists of the principal response agencies including Galway City Council, Galway City & County Fire and Rescue Service, An Garda Síochána, the HSE Ambulance Service and the Defence Forces.

“The message to the public is to go indoors and stay indoors until after the storm lessens later.

“Members of the public are again advised to remain indoors during the severe weather and avoid non-essential travel. Do not to attempt to remove fallen trees. Falling slates, branches and other debris remain a serious risk and members of the public are advised to stay indoors.

“To make contact with any of the Principal Response Agencies please call 091 536400.

“Regular updates will continue to be provided throughout the day regarding road closures and other matters on all normal news channels, social media, and the Council website at www.galwaycity.ie.”

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