Homeless charity Peter McVerry Trust is initiating its emergency response protocols in response to Hurricane Ophelia.

A category red wind warning has been issued by Met Éireann on behalf of the entire country.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING LEVEL RED FOR IRELAND.https://t.co/9BeK3UcAwO

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 15, 2017

The aim of the emergency protocols are to protect people in homeless services and those currently sleeping rough.

Peter McVerry’s street outreach team have been instructed to strongly encourage all rough sleepers that they encounter in the next 24 hours to access emergency shelter or other homeless services.

Transport will be provided for rough sleepers to take up these options.

Communal spaces are open on Richmond Street and Aungier Street to provide exceptional, emergency shelter to people sleeping rough.

The charity said:

“Peter McVerry Trust is in constant contact with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and will take any additional measures we can to ensure the safety of people in homelessness during Storm Ophelia.”

The youth café on Berkeley Street in Phibsborough will operate on extended hours today, providing a safe and secure space to homeless people.

The homeless charity are extending their one night only services to a 24 hour access until further notice, allowing all residents to remain in the shelter.

Members of the public who come across a person sleeping rough in Dublin are advised to point the individual to the nearest Peter McVerry Trust service or call their head office on 01 823 0776.