Waterford walkers urged to ‘think safety first’ after heavy rain leaves trails hazardous

Waterford City and County Council has urged people to exercise caution before heading out walking in the great outdoors, following a spell of bad weather and heavy rainfall across the county.

With many popular coastal, mountain and woodland routes affected, walkers are being warned that conditions on the ground are currently far more dangerous than usual.

Johnny Brunnock, Trails Officer with Waterford City and County Council, said while Waterford is blessed with “an abundance of fantastic coastal, mountain and woodland trails throughout the city and county”, recent weather has significantly increased the risks for those venturing out.

“Heavy and persistent rainfall have left the ground saturated, and this can create significant hazards for walkers,” he said.

“Heavy rain can cause the ground to become boggy and liable to subsidence and landslips. The risk of accidents is also increased as steep ground becomes slippery, and loose rock and mud can be difficult and dangerous to encounter.”

Mr Brunnock also warned that woodland trails in particular can pose hidden dangers after weather events.

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

The council is advising that planning is crucial:

• Be particularly vigilant around coastal and upland cliffs, riverbanks, streams, woodlands (fallen trees), steep slopes etc.
  The ground is currently saturated and can be liable to subsidence and landslips.
• Heavy rain causes loose rocks, mud, and steep ground to become very slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
• 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 (Yellow/Orange/Red).

“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,” he said.

Members of the public are reminded that in the event of an emergency, they should call 999 or 112 immediately.