Significant accumulations of snow have fallen in some parts of the country amid a series of status orange and yellow weather which are now in place.
In Cork, snow accumulations have reached up to three inches in some areas, with snow ploughs deployed across the county. An estimated 28,000 homes across the country are also without power, according to the ESB.
The R578 Newmarket to Ballydesmond, and the R577 Ballydesmond to Boherbue, were badly affected on Saturday night, and the council is advising motorists to “avoid unnecessary journeys” as driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted.
“Slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey,” a spokesperson said.
The council has also received reports of “ice on a hill” in Dromina Village on the R578-338.
A gritting truck has been deployed, and motorists have been advised not to travel on this road “unless absolutely essential” as snowfall on top of ice has led to “deteriorating road conditions” in the area.
Snow in Ballingeary, West Cork on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Andy Gibson.
On Sunday morning, council crews continued to treat priority routes in North Cork including the N20 near Charleville and Dromina.
Cork County Council says its crews have inspected “key high-risk areas and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the period”.
A spokesperson for the Council said sandbags and pumping arrangements have been put in place in certain areas, flood barriers are being erected in Fermoy and Mallow as a precautionary measure.
On Sunday morning, flooding was reported on the R603 between Kilbrittain and Bandon, and on the L6477 Maryborough Hill between Maryborough and Hilltown Bridge.
In Kerry, N70 Milltown to Tinnahalla Road, which had been closed due to snowfall, reopened earlier this morning.
However, Kerry County Council said it was still treating roads in other areas, including Farranfore, the L2032 Cordal to Knockaboul, and the R577 at Bayyydesmond Bridge.
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The council advised the public to avoid all unnecessary travel.
In Clare, road users have been advised to avoid the R474 Ennis to Miltown Malbay Road, west of Kilmaley village, as well as the R460 Inagh to Miltown Malbay Road, both of which are impassable due to heavy snowfall.
In Limerick, conditions are reportedly difficult on the N21 between Abbeyfeale and Castleisland around the Barnagh Gap, and in and around the Adare.
Elsewhere, a spokesman for Dublin Airport said its snow and ice teams are on stand-by to treat surfaces as required and to respond to any issues that arise.
“As always, passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights should contact their airline directly,” it said on social media.
“Those travelling to Dublin Airport over the weekend should allow plenty of time for their journey.”
A number of sports events have been cancelled or postponed across the country, including the the All-Ireland senior club championship, which had been due to be held in Portlaoise.
On Sunday, Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke to the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group coordinating efforts for the cold snap. The group will meet again later today.
“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,” he 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 coming hours—and remaining frozen—will need to be closely monitored.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien, is also being kept informed of the situation.
It comes as Met Éireann has a number of weather warnings in place, with heavy rain, sleet, snow and icy conditions across different parts of the country.
According to the forecaster, much of the country can expect “significant snowfall accumulations” which may lead to very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, disruption and delays to public transport, difficult conditions underfoot, and animal welfare issues.
A woman walks through the snow in Limerick, using an umbrella for shelter as snow conditions persist late into the night. Picture: Damien Storan.
Counties Cork, Kerry and Waterford are currently under a status orange rain and snow warning. This warning will be in place until 5pm on Sunday evening.
A snow and ice warning for Munster, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, which had originally been due to end at 5pm, has now been extended until 8pm.
A Status Orange snow and ice warning is also in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, with Met Éireann is warning of significant snowfall accumulations expected in these counties also.
This warning also begins at 5pm on Saturday and runs until 5pm on Sunday.
When these weather warnings lift on lift Sunday evening, a status yellow low temperature and ice warning will immediately come into effect for the whole country.
It will last until midday on Monday.
A bus travels through snowy conditions in Limerick as icy roads disrupt public transport schedules. Picture: Damien Storan
The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and will continue to monitor the situation amid all the warnings.
The National Transport Authority has also confirmed that all public transport authorities are on alert in anticipation of potential disruption due to the predicted weather.
They say that commuters should “check with their operator” before undertaking any public transport journeys.
The NECG will also be meeting again on Sunday morning, and further guidance will be issued following that meeting.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education has said that a decision on whether schools should close on Monday “is a matter for individual school management authorities around the country”.
A spokesperson said it is carefully monitoring developments and a decision to close must be made “in light of local weather conditions, taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies”.
“Any decision to close is taken in the interest of child safety, having assessed the local risks and having consulted, as appropriate, relevant authorities,” the spokesperson said.
Snow on the grounds of the church in Kilfinane, Co Limerick on Sunday. Picture: Anthony Palmer
On the back of the warnings, Mr Leonard had this advice for the public: “We are going to see difficult travel conditions for much of the country in the coming days.
“Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted – so I urge people to slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.
“It’s important that drivers travelling longer journeys are aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.”
He also highlighted that footpaths may also be “extremely hazardous and slippery” due to ice, “so please take extra care while walking.”
“Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so I’d advise people to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area,” he added.
With regard to rough sleepers during this wintry spell, Mr Leonard said that the Department is communicating with Regional Leads in relation to their Cold Weather Initiatives, and has advised them of the expected conditions.
Cold Weather Initiatives operate across all local authorities to provide additional emergency beds for rough sleepers where needed – ensuring that additional temporary beds can be brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities, for singles and couples who need them during periods of cold weather.
“Finally, 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,” he concluded.
Cars navigate snowy and icy roads in Limerick as a severe cold snap creates hazardous driving conditions. Picture: Damien Storan.
As temperatures fall below zero, Uisce Éireann is also reminding people to “protect their water pipes from the freezing weather at home or in their business or farm.”
A spokesperson said: “Check outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises.”
Uisce Éireann is also asking people to conserve water and not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on local water supply.
Elsewhere, the public have been advised to check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours, and also to keep phones charged and taken on all journeys.
Farmers have also been advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
The DSPCA is urging pet owners to protect their furry friends, as cold temperatures plummet too.
The charity is advising people to keep their pets warm by keeping them indoors, even if they are outdoor pets.
It also recommends wrapping your pet in a coat or jacket to keep them cozy.
– Additional reporting by PA