Work places are being urged to plan in advance, schools and creches will close, and emergency services are advising motorists to stay off the road.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group says schools and creches in counties affected by a Status Red wind warning will close for the duration of the alert.

Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice, says farmers signed up to the schemes in good faith, but they've been abandoned by the Government.

Gusts of up to 180 kilometres per hour can be expected and Met Éireann is warning of a danger to life and treacherous travelling conditions.

Georgie is a Galah cockatoo, who lives with his owner on the Galway Road in Roscommon Town.

The official launch took place at the Arigna Mining Experience in Co. Roscommon yesterday.

Longford County planners are due to make their decision in the coming months.

Met Éireann says Friday morning will see severe, damaging and destructive winds with gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour widely across the country- and even higher gusts for a time.