Emergency services take part in training exercise deep under the Shannon
Limerick Tunnel was closed for 11 hours for simulated training exercise
Limerick tunnel was closed for 11 hours overnight for a simulated emergency exercise.
The operation replicated a road traffic collision involving two cars with a third car on fire as a result of the collision.
A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said the exercise was attended by the three principle response agencies (PRAs) of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, HSE and An Garda Siochana.
The tunnel was closed from 7pm on Wednesday night to 6am on Thursday morning.
“It was designed to test the joint response plan of the PRAs and the interaction with the tunnel operators in the event of an incident within the tunnel.
"The exercise tested each of the three PRAs ability to respond to incidents within the tunnel and also how the tunnel operator can respond using their safety systems and protocols,” said the council spokesperson who branded it a “great success”.
The Civil Defence provided people to act as live casualties as part of the incident. It is a requirement of the tunnel operator to test the emergency preparedness in the event of an incident every four years.
“Following the exercise, a joint de-brief will happen where we will analyse the feedback of staff and observers and review procedures,” concluded the council spokesperson.