Cold snap to last until the weekend, Met Éireann saysFlight delays and public transport cancellations announcedFresh snow and ice warning issued until mid-day Tuesday17,000 without power, 30,000 with no water and 27,000 more at risk of losing itSchools remain closed in several counties

Follow our live blog for the latest on the Arctic conditions gripping the country, with schools in multiple counties to remain closed today.

Key updates

WATER SUPPLY Uisce Éireann is working to restore water to approximately 30,000 people in Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Dublin where supplies are impacted by either bursts on the network or electrical outages at treatment plants or pumping stations.  That’s down from 43,000 at lunchtime.  Supplies to a further 27,000 people in these counties as well as Wexford and Laois are at risk due to low reservoir levels, with freezing conditions likely to cause ongoing impacts on water supplies over the coming week. Large machinery such at tractors are being used to take Uisce Éireann crews in Tipperary and Kerry to water treatment plants and pumping stations where the terrain is difficult and snow is too deep for 4×4 vehicles. Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge said: “ Water expands by nearly 10pc as it freezes and turns into ice, which stops the flow of water through pipes. This can cause even new pipes to split. We are urging people to protect outside taps and to insulate exposed pipes and tanks which are particularly vulnerable to freezing.  “We are asking people to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises. Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating for these areas to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.”

POWER OUTAGES As of 5:15 pm, about 17,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power, predominantly in counties Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.   The ESB anticipates power restoration will continue for a number of days in worst affected areas due to the hazardous weather conditions and accessibility challenges.   Real-time information on power outages and estimaged restoration times are being continously updated on www.PowerCheck.ie.     The ESB has warned people to stay clear of fallen electricity wires, and be particularly mindful of fallen lines that may be under snow. Report any damage to the network by calling 1800 372 999.  

Roof of Tralee Sports Complex collapses mid major disruption in Kerry The Tralee Sports Complex, a regional sports and swimming facility,  with almost 1,500 members, will remain closed to the public after a section of main roof collapsed under snow earlier today. The main roof collapsed internally into the hall itself, chair of the complex, Jim Finucane said. There was substantial damage too  the main sports hall, although the pools appeared not to be affected, he said. Used by clubs and schools the Tralee Sports Complex has over 300,000 visits annually.The damage is being assessed, Mr Finucane said. The collapse was spotted before 7 am and emergency services called. Ice and heavy snow on electricity lines is leading to cables sagging and snapping the ESB  has said a new threat of flooding hangs  over the county. Hail and sleet is falling on many parts of Kerry this mid-morning. Major roads into the county – it was cut off yesterday for some hours – have now been cleared and traffic is moving across the county bounds to Cork and Limerick along the N22 to N21, though minor roads remain impassable or treacherous. Six thousand customers from Cahersiveen to Killorglin to Camp remain without electricity. Some customers have been out of power with 12 hours. There is a warning to walkers this morning to be aware live wires brought down by the snow and ice may be hidden in snow and to be extra vigilant. Delay in getting to areas to repair to sites to carry out repairs although some customers may be back by lunchtime. Hospital managers in UHK, in Tralee, the region’s acute hospital say they are faced with a twin difficulty of trying to get patients due for release out, and staff in. Many workers in Kerry have been unable to leave their homes and patients being discharged can’t be collected by family members. Mountain Rescue teams, tasked by the coastguard, are helping the hospital and the ambulance service. Roads remain treacherous and the council is asking the  public not to travel unless necessary. Schools throughout the county are closed. Paths in urban areas remain covered with snow and pedestrians who are using the  main roads instead of paths are asked to take particular care. Cars remain abandoned in some areas after becoming stuck. A hard freeze is forecast for the next three nights, Kerry County Council is warning. “Our Severe Weather Assessment Team and Inter Agency teams will meet throughout the weather event up to Thursday and will continue to issue updates via media and social media platforms,” a council spokesman said. River levels in Kerry are being closely monitored with fears of flooding as snow melts. Mountain passes remain closed. The public in Kerry are advised that driving conditions remain hazardous throughout the county, if driving, remain on salted routes, to only travel if necessary, to exercise extreme caution, to slow down and allow extra time for journeys, and not to travel on closed roads or high mountain passes. Vulnerable roads users (cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists) should exercise particular care. The Killarney National Park remains closed. Anne Lucey

What hospitals are affected?

This liveblog has ended. Follow the Irish Independent’s weather coverage again on Tuesday.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Tonight
Clear spells and scattered sleet and snow showers tonight, driest generally in the southeast. Widespread frost and ice along with lying snow and lowest temperatures of -5 to 0 degrees in moderate, occasionally fresh, west to northwest winds.

Tuesday, January 7
A very cold day tomorrow with sunny intervals and scattered wintry showers, mainly in the west and north. Frost, ice and lying snow will persist in some areas all day. Highest temperatures of just 0 to +5 degrees in light to moderate northwesterly winds, fresher at times near western and northern coasts.

Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning for the entire country until 12pm on Tuesday.

Status Yellow – Low Temperature/Ice warning for the entire country until 00.00 on Friday.

Upgrade to orange warning a ‘certainty’ – Met Éireann forecaster Gerry Murphy

The national forecaster could upgrade its Status Yellow low temperature/ice warning to orange.

“That yellow level will be up to an orange warning for some and much of the country,” forecaster Gerry Murphy told the Six One News.

He stressed that it is a “certainty” that the warning, which has been issued until midnight Friday, will be upgraded to orange. 

“An orange warning is really a very important warning for everyone to be aware of and not to be taken lightly. Orange level warnings mean infrequent and dangerous level weather that pose a threat to life and property,” he said.

On the next few days, he said temperatures will drop as low as -8C in places and again on Wednesday, temperatures won’t rise above freezing in some areas, with another extremely cold night then on Wednesday night into Thursday.

He advised that people check met.ie to keep up to date on the potential upgrade. 

Taoiseach Simon Harris thanks crews across country

“Thank you to the crews working across the country to assist communities, homes and businesses with electricity and water supplies after the snow and to grit roads and maintain safety during the very cold weather,” he said on X.

“Let’s all look out for neighbours & those particularly vulnerable.”

Current weather warning

Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning for the entire country until 12pm on Tuesday.

Status Yellow – Low Temperature/Ice warning for the entire country until 00.00 on Friday.

This evening will be very cold with ice and lying snow in many areas. Frost will persist in places and will develop in most areas again after dark. There’ll be further scattered showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow. Northwesterly winds will increase moderate to fresh and gusty, strong at times near northwest coasts.

TONIGHT

Clear spells and scattered sleet and snow showers, the showers most frequent in the west and north. Widespread frost and ice with lowest temperatures of -5 to 0 degrees and moderate west to northwest winds.

TOMORROW

Tuesday will be another very cold day with sunshine and further scattered wintry showers, mainly in the west and north of the country. Frost and ice will persist in some areas all day with highest temperatures of 0 to +5 degrees and moderate northwest winds.
Department of Education issues statement on school closures for tomorrow

The Department of Education has said news on whether certain schools will close will be delivered locally between schools and parents or transport providers and parents.

“As always a decision to close a school is a matter for individual school management authorities around the country, as they are best placed to do this in light of local weather conditions, which vary significantly in regions,” it said.

“Many schools opened as normal this morning (Monday), however in counties affected by severe weather some primary and post-primary schools took the decision to close due to local conditions and safety concerns.  

“Some school transport services did not operate due to weather conditions on roads in affected counties.

“Safety remains the foremost priority. If a school plans to close or where transport is affected, communications of all such decisions will issue locally between schools and parents or transport providers and parents.

“As weather and conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly, we appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience as schools and transport providers assess the situation locally and decide the safest options.”

 

Education Minister Norma Foley said she was “really conscious that every parent wants their child back at school”.

“Every child wants snow. But our singular concern in education is that safety comes first and I know that is a view shared by parents. I absolutely trust the professionalism of school principals and boards of management to make the right decisions on the ground in that respect and I do want to acknowledge the Trojan work being done here,” she said.

“Schools will communicate with parents as early as possible about when their schools can re-open safely.”

The Department of Education, along with other Government departments, said it will continue to carefully monitor developments with the weather and engage with key stakeholders. 

RAIL UPDATE
Irish Rail have announced the following updates: 

16:00 Heuston to Cork has terminated in Portarlington. 
16:25 Heuston to Limerick is due in Portarlington shortly. 
17:00 Heuston to Cork will stop in Portarlington. 
Knock-on delays to services in the area.

WATER SUPPLY

Uisce Éireann is working to restore water to approximately 30,000 people in Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Dublin where supplies are impacted by either bursts on the network or electrical outages at treatment plants or pumping stations. 

That’s down from 43,000 at lunchtime. 

Supplies to a further 27,000 people in these counties as well as Wexford and Laois are at risk due to low reservoir levels, with freezing conditions likely to cause ongoing impacts on water supplies over the coming week.

Large machinery such at tractors are being used to take Uisce Éireann crews in Tipperary and Kerry to water treatment plants and pumping stations where the terrain is difficult and snow is too deep for 4×4 vehicles.

Head of Water Operations Margaret Attridge said: “Water expands by nearly 10pc as it freezes and turns into ice, which stops the flow of water through pipes. This can cause even new pipes to split. We are urging people to protect outside taps and to insulate exposed pipes and tanks which are particularly vulnerable to freezing. 

“We are asking people to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises. Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating for these areas to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.”

AN POSTAn Post will continue to monitor weather conditions overnight and will “oversee whatever national distribution of letters and parcels is possible given the road conditions and the warnings of freezing temperatures”.

Letter and parcel deliveries were “severely” impacted by adverse road conditions and power outages across the counties worst hit by snowy conditions today.

It was not possible to make deliveries on the majority of postal routes in counties Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary and some parts of Wicklow today .

The postal service said it would proceed on a “safety first basis” and resume deliveries and post office services “as soon as safety and local access allow”.

The An Post national control centre will continue to monitor conditions overnight and oversee “whatever national distribution of letters and parcels is possible given the road conditions and the warnings of freezing temperatures,” said head of communications Anna McHugh.  

“We will provide updates through national radio, social channels and at anpost.com. Customers are advised to be mindful of delays to items posted in and to the affected areas, particularly West Limerick, Tipperary and North Kerry. 

“No one knows their local areas like An Post staff so we will be ready to resume services as soon as it is safe to do so.”

– Maeve McTaggart

As of 5:15 pm, about 17,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power, predominantly in counties Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.  The ESB anticipates power restoration will continue for a number of days in worst affected areas due to the hazardous weather conditions and accessibility challenges.  Real-time information on power outages and estimaged restoration times are being continously updated on www.PowerCheck.ie.  

 

The ESB has warned people to stay clear of fallen electricity wires, and be particularly mindful of fallen lines that may be under snow. Report any damage to the network by calling 1800 372 999.  

TRAINSDART delays of about 10 minutes are expected due to an operational issue, Irish Rail have said. 

Meanwhile, the 4pm Heuston to Cork is held in Monasterevin due to a mechanical issue on the train. 

‘Priority routes will be ploughed and gritted again’ – Clare County Council issues update on roads

Clare County Council has issued an update for road users ahead of further snow this evening.

“Clare County Council crews have been ploughing and gritting priority routes throughout the county in line with the Winter Maintenance Plan,” the council said in an update this afternoon.

Roads were ploughed and gritted last evening at 7pm, and again this morning since 6am, the local authority said.

There have been isolated snow showers in parts of the county with more forecast throughout the day.

“Additional routes will be ploughed and gritted today as resources allow and priority routes will be ploughed and gritted again this evening as per the Winter Maintenance Plan,” the council said.

People are being asked to only travel where necessary and to exercise caution when travelling, even on roads that have been ploughed and gritted.

The council also asked people to continue to monitor the changing weather conditions at: https://met.ie

National Emergency Group issues update

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met again this afternoon and issued an update, saying “much of the country has experienced major disruption due to significant snowfall, particularly affecting the roads and public transport network”.
“The ongoing wintry conditions and low temperatures will mean snow may be very slow to clear, and will continue to cause hazardous travelling conditions and potential travel disruption,” the NECG said.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: “We will continue to see wintry showers and extremely cold temperatures over the coming hours and days, and hazardous travel conditions will continue for much of the week. 

“Given the prevalence of extremely low temperatures throughout the country over the next few days, road and path surfaces will present a hazard to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. 

“Even where there has been no snow, icy conditions will prevail and surfaces may look deceptively safe.

“Furthermore, it’s important to emphasise again that even where roads have been salted, people should slow down, drive with caution and allow extra time for their journey. Drivers travelling longer journeys should be aware of conditions right along their route, as conditions are differing widely across different parts of the country.  

“As well as looking after yourself, we are also asking you to look out for others.”

The public are advised that although public transport continues to operate, they should check with their operator before setting out.

The NECG said vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians should exercise special caution.

The NECG said most primary and secondary schools reopened as normal, but some in the hardest hit areas remained closed, which is a decision for individual boards of management.

Some school transport services are not operating due to weather conditions on roads in affected counties.
 
“As weather and conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly, we appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience as schools and transport providers assess the situation locally and decide the safest options,” the NECG said.
 
“The Department of Education, along with other Government departments, will continue to carefully monitor developments with the weather and engage with key stakeholders.”

It said the decision on whether to open creches and playschools rested with the operators of those facilities depending on local factors, which was also the case with higher education institutions, in line with national guidance.
 
The NECG also said the ESB and Uisce Éireann were both working to restore power and water to thousands of customers left without supplies, and to exercise caution around power lines. Customers can check the status of the latest faults on powercheck.ie and water.ie.

Tipperary community rallies together to clear snow so that funeral of well-known woman (92) could go ahead

The grandson of a well-known woman in a small Tipperary village has spoken about the community coming together after fears his grandmother’s funeral would be cancelled due to the snow.
Timmy Hammersley said the people of Clonoulty in Tipperary, located between Cashel and Thurles, came together to ensure his grandmother’s funeral could go ahead, after the county was one of the worst hit by the snow.
He spoke of his grandmother Bridie Hammersley (92), who was a former Fianna Fáil county councillor over 30 years ago, who died on New Year’s Day
The snowfall in the village of Clonoulty started around 10pm on Saturday evening, and at 8am the family rallied together to make a decision, after it had been snowing for close to 10 hours.
“We were really concerned. Can we go ahead with the funeral? Is it actually safe to go ahead with it? That was obviously a very stressful thing for us,” he told the News at One.
Mr Hammersley said that once the weather took a turn yesterday, a call out for help to the community was made, with their response being described as “unbelievable”.
“Tractors, maybe about eight, clearing snow, clearing roads, clearing the church. And then numerous people out with shovels.
“They spent the time really getting the village to a state where it was safe to have a funeral,” he said. 
Despite the snowfall, Mr Hammersley said the roads were “cleaner than they ever have been” following the massive effort from the small community.
“It was snowing really strongly, but at the end of it we were able to have the funeral and give her the send send-off that she deserved,” he said. 
He said what the community did “meant everything” to his family. 
Mr Hammersley described his homeplace as a village where be it GAA or any other community event or challenge, the people always come together. 
He referenced the sudden death of GAA player Dillon Quirke in 2022, who was from the village, as an example of the community coming together.
“Our family were definitely at the receiving end of that over the weekend. I just want to thank and acknowledge the people who came and gave their time.
“I just think it is a really good example of the kind of community support that is there.
“She (Bridie) would have approved,” he said, adding that giving someone a proper send-off in Ireland is a really important thing.

Uisce Éireann working to restore water supply to 17,000 customers in Tipperary

Roof of Tralee Sports Complex collapses mid major disruption in Kerry

The Tralee Sports Complex, a regional sports and swimming facility,  with almost 1,500 members, will remain closed to the public after a section of main roof collapsed under snow earlier today.

The main roof collapsed internally into the hall itself, chair of the complex, Jim Finucane said.

There was substantial damage too  the main sports hall, although the pools appeared not to be affected, he said.

Used by clubs and schools the Tralee Sports Complex has over 300,000 visits annually.The damage is being assessed, Mr Finucane said.

The collapse was spotted before 7 am and emergency services called.

Ice and heavy snow on electricity lines is leading to cables sagging and snapping the ESB  has said a new threat of flooding hangs  over the county.

Hail and sleet is falling on many parts of Kerry this mid-morning.

Major roads into the county – it was cut off yesterday for some hours – have now been cleared and traffic is moving across the county bounds to Cork and Limerick along the N22 to N21, though minor roads remain impassable or treacherous.

Six thousand customers from Cahersiveen to Killorglin to Camp remain without electricity.

Some customers have been out of power with 12 hours.

There is a warning to walkers this morning to be aware live wires brought down by the snow and ice may be hidden in snow and to be extra vigilant.

Delay in getting to areas to repair to sites to carry out repairs although some customers may be back by lunchtime.

Hospital managers in UHK, in Tralee, the region’s acute hospital say they are faced with a twin difficulty of trying to get patients due for release out, and staff in.

Many workers in Kerry have been unable to leave their homes and patients being discharged can’t be collected by family members.

Mountain Rescue teams, tasked by the coastguard, are helping the hospital and the ambulance service.

Roads remain treacherous and the council is asking the  public not to travel unless necessary.

Schools throughout the county are closed.

Paths in urban areas remain covered with snow and pedestrians who are using the  main roads instead of paths are asked to take particular care.

Cars remain abandoned in some areas after becoming stuck.

A hard freeze is forecast for the next three nights, Kerry County Council is warning.

“Our Severe Weather Assessment Team and Inter Agency teams will meet throughout the weather event up to Thursday and will continue to issue updates via media and social media platforms,” a council spokesman said.

River levels in Kerry are being closely monitored with fears of flooding as snow melts. Mountain passes remain closed.

The public in Kerry are advised that driving conditions remain hazardous throughout the county, if driving, remain on salted routes, to only travel if necessary, to exercise extreme caution, to slow down and allow extra time for journeys, and not to travel on closed roads or high mountain passes.

Vulnerable roads users (cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists) should exercise particular care.

The Killarney National Park remains closed.

Anne Lucey

HSE cancels non-urgent appointments across Cork 

Non-urgent appointments scheduled for today (January 6) have been cancelled across Cork, the HSE has announced.

HSE South West has said that all non-urgent appointments, such as outpatient appointments and other clinical appointments, have been cancelled for Monday.

Jack Joy/Corkman

Kerry farmers help HSE deliver essential medical supplies and personnel through heavy snow

The IFA in Kerry have been mobilised by the HSE to help deliver essential medical supplies and personnel.

It comes as farmers throughout Kerry are helping to deliver essentials and this lunchtime alone have pulled cars out of ditches and in one instance in mid Kerry a local farmer used his tractor to help pull an oil truck that was stuck in snow in mid-Kerry.

NECG meeting held

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met again earlier today to discuss the response to the poor weather.

“We will continue to see wintry showers and extremely cold temperatures over the coming hours and days, and hazardous travel conditions will continue for much of the week,” NECG chair Keith Leonard said.

“Given the prevalence of extremely low temperatures throughout the country over the next few days, road and path surfaces will present a hazard to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Even where there has been no snow, icy conditions will prevail and surfaces may look deceptively safe.

“Furthermore, it’s important to emphasise again that even where roads have been salted, people should slow down, drive with caution and allow extra time for their journey. Drivers travelling longer journeys should be aware of conditions right along their route, as conditions are differing widely across different parts of the country.  
 
 “As well as looking after yourself, we are also asking you to look out for others.”

Rail service back up and running

The Limerick to Ballybrophy rail service via Nenagh will operate again this evening after being out of action this morning.

Challenging routes in Co Cork

Cork County Council’s crisis management team held a meeting this afternoon to assess weather conditions, the roads and plan ahead for the remainder of the cold snap.

A number of routes in the county remain challenging, the council said in a statement, including: 

R578 Newmarket to Freemount, where the road has been treated but conditions remain poor.R578 Bog Cross to Dromina, which remains very poor.R515 Newtownshandrum Village also remains very poor.L1320 – N20 to Churchtown is very poor. Caution is to be exercised in vicinity of railway crossing as road conditions are very slippery.R619 to Bweeng, which has not been treated and road conditions are very poor.R579 Banteer to Nadd remains closed due to a combination of fallen trees and snow accumulations.

Pub owner Micheal Brosnan clears a path outside his bar in in Cashel, Co Tipperary. Photo: Reuters

Brian and Ellen Kelleher enjoy the blizzard conditions at Mahon Falls in the Comeragh Mountains, Co Waterford. Photo: Patrick Browne

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow warning for low temperature and ice for the entire country that will remain in place until 12pm on Thursday.

The forecaster does not expect a thaw until later this week, possibly on Thursday or Friday.

Met Éireann meteorologist Mark Bowe told RTÉ: “The cold air will stay with us now for most of this week but looking towards about Thursday or Friday, we are seeing signals of some warmer air pushing in which will thaw things out, so it’s really until about the end of (the) week we won’t see a bit of a thaw, I’m afraid.”

The Department of Education said the decision to reopen today would be left up to each individual school.

“As school transport services may operate on rural, secondary roads, which may be untreated, this could result in disruption during a spell of adverse weather,” a spokesperson said.

“Safety remains the foremost priority. If a school plans to close or where transport is affected, communications of all such decisions will issue locally between schools and parents or transport providers and parents.”

Playing at snow angels in Tralee. Photo: Domnick Walsh

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met twice yesterday to discuss the disruptive weather.

“Even where roads have been salted people should slow down, drive with caution and allow extra time for their journey,” said Keith Leonard, director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.

“Drivers travelling longer journeys should make themselves aware of conditions right along their route, as we are seeing a wide range of weather conditions across different parts of the country.

“Footpaths may also be extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice, so please take extra care while walking.

“I would urge all members of the public to take extra care with all activities and to check out the Met Éireann and Be Winter Ready websites for further updates and advice.”

Met Éireann has forecast a “bitterly cold day” for today with highest daytime temperatures of 1C to 5C with widespread frost and lying snow. There will be some sunshine with scattered showers of rain, sleet, snow and hail.

A robin eats from a bird feeder in Limerick. Photo: Damien Storan

There is also a possibility of some thunder. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop as low as -5C in some areas. Scattered showers of snow and sleet will be most frequent in the north and west of the country.

Temperatures are expected to fall even further over the course of the week.

Tomorrow night will be coldest with lows ranging from -8C to -3C. Highest temperatures during the day on Wednesday will be between -3C and 3C, with lowest temperatures of -7C.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) warned motorists and other road users that travelling conditions would remain difficult over the coming days as rain, sleet and snow continue to fall and icy conditions persist with the low temperatures.

“With treacherous conditions on many routes, the RSA strongly advises against unnecessary travel, including trips for snow tourism,” a statement read.

“Staying off the road network unless absolutely essential and/or using safer modes of travel not only reduces your risk and the strain on emergency services but also helps keep roads clear for essential travel.”

Eleven counties across the south and southeast were under Status Orange warnings for snow, ice or rain yesterday, with some areas experiencing heavy accumulations of snow. There were a number of road closures in affected areas and motorists were forced to abandon their cars, including in Clare and Kerry.

Low visibility during the last race at Naas Racecourse in Co Kildare yesterday. Photo: Inpho

Around 15,000 people were without water last night, with Uisce Éireann head of operations Margaret Attridge saying: “Our crews are continuing to work to maintain and restore supplies. We are urging households, businesses and farmers to protect outside taps and farm troughs and to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises.

“Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating for these areas to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.”

Yesterday morning, Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke to the NECG about the official efforts being made during the cold snap. He thanked the workers around the country helping “keep people safe and well, including many local authority staff who were out gritting roads either very late or very early in the morning”.

“It is really important people continue to be very vigilant when it comes to road and travel conditions and also that we all look out for people in our community who may be vulnerable or isolated during this period,” Mr Harris said.

“The very cold weather will continue for much of this week and our teams at national and local level will continue to work hard. The impact of snow and sleet and rain freezing in the coming hours and remaining frozen will need to be monitored very closely.”

Bus Éireann services throughout the day yesterday were cancelled, though Irish Rail services were largely unaffected. There were five cancellations at Dublin Airport, but air travel operated mostly as normal including in Cork and Shannon, though there were some delays.

In the UK, there was significant disruption as runways at Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports were closed for a number of hours while snow was cleared.