Youghal by-pass to be closed for simulated emergency

The emergency services are due to undertake a practice exercise in Co Cork today to assess Ireland's preparedness for a major emergency.

The exercise on the Youghal by-pass will involve a simulated collision between a truck carrying hazardous waste and a bus full of schoolchildren.

All the agencies that would be involved if the crash were real will be taking part in the simulation, including the Gardaí, the Civil and Defence Forces, the Fire Service, the Air Corps and medical staff.

The response of all of these organisations will be evaluated at the end of the day-long exercise, which will lead to the closure of the Youghal by-pass between 8am and 3pm.