Most schools, colleges and universities are closed for the day, alongside many libraries and all heritage sites and parks operated by the Office of Public Works

Staff at Limerick School of Art and Design striking this morning | LL

INDUSTRIAL action is expected to cause “significant and widespread disruption” across Limerick city and county this Wednesday over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.

More than 300,000 public sector workers including nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants, are engaging in a 24-hour strike.

Most schools, colleges and universities are closed for the day, alongside many libraries and all heritage sites and parks operated by the Office of Public Works.

Driving tests and almost all court sittings have been cancelled, and local authorities have seen services severely disrupted.

Members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are not striking as they are legally prohibited from doing so, and public transport services were expected to operate as normal.

The HSE expects “significant and widespread disruption” to many health and social care services this Wednesday, October 14, due to public sector work stoppages.

A statement from the organisation said: “As part of contingency plans for the day, all elective, day services and outpatient healthcare services across hospitals and community settings are cancelled. This includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community-based services, day services, primary care clinics and other scheduled care services. HSE administrative services will also be impacted.

“Home support care will continue for people with the highest care needs and those who are most vulnerable in line with approved derogations. Other visits may be rescheduled where clinically safe to do so. Services may also continue for some other home care clients where deemed necessary locally.”

Emergency Departments, ambulance services operating at reduced capacity, and other critical and time-sensitive healthcare services, including urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will continue to operate.

Anyone requiring urgent medical attention is advised to not delay seeking care. In an emergency, people should dial 999 or 112 or attend their nearest Emergency Department where necessary.

A HSE spokesperson said: “Please consider all care options before seeking emergency care. Injury units, GPs, GP out-of-hours services, and community pharmacies will remain available.

“Healthcare teams are making every effort to contact as many patients as possible regarding their appointments and services. Patients do not need to contact the HSE. All cancelled appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.”

The statement continued: “The HSE continues to engage with health sector unions regarding contingency arrangements and service delivery for Wednesday and we will provide further information as arrangements are finalised.

“The HSE recognises the disruption this will cause for patients and their families, and we thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

Limerick City and County Council is advising the public of the effects of the strike action, adding that it is “a national dispute involving all 31 local authorities and the wider public sector”.

As a result of this industrial action all council offices, libraries and depots that normally open to the public will be closed on Wednesday, 14 October, access to general council services will be limited and there will be delays in responding to queries and processing requests, and all gated public parks will remain closed for the duration of the strike.

The Limerick Regional Athletics Hub in Newcastle West will be closed, as well as Gortadroma Waste and Recycling Centre, Ballyhahill.

A council spokesperson confirmed: “Arrangements are in place to ensure appropriate cover for emergencies and other essential services required to protect public health and safety.”

In the event of an emergency, please contact the Council’s out-of-hours emergency line on 061 417833.

The following services will continue to operate:

Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, emergency homeless services and Limerick Civic Amenity Centres in Mungret, Newcastle West and Kilmallock will operate as normal.

“Limerick City and County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation.”