Storm Ellen forces closure of council facilities in north west

Derry City and Strabane District Council has taken the decision to allow for tree inspections to take place.

The City Cemetery, Ballyoan and Altnagelvin cemeteries will all be closed to the public today (August 20), however, funerals will still take place as normal.

Brooke Park as well as the Waterside and citywide parks and play areas will also remain closed on Thursday morning while inspections are carried out.

The council said that inspection teams will be on the ground during the day to review the weather situation.

In a statement, the council said that “a number of sites and responding to reports of tree damage at some of our properties including St Columb’s Park”.

It also reiterated it message to the public to take note of the weather advisory information from the Met Office, and “to refrain from using public parks, play areas during this period of adverse weather if possible”.

Any changes to services will be posted on the Council’s website, Facebook and Twitter platforms.

The area around Cork in the very south of Ireland was one of the worst affected by Storm Ellen, although the was widespread destruction, particularly in coastal area.

Work is under way to restore power to almost 194,000 homes and businesses across the Republic.

Other areas impacted by power cuts include Limerick, Longford, Wexford and Tipperary.

There have been reports of flooding and fallen trees across parts of Cork and Clonmel.