TRAVEL:AIRPORTS, TRANSPORT companies and local authorities were last night on alert to treat roads and runways for the severe weather conditions crossing the country.
Local authorities have appealed to businesses and householders to clear snow and ice from the front of their premises, driveways and pathways.
Dublin City Council engineer Michael Phillips urged people to clear “footpaths immediately outside their premises before snow freezes. This is the most effective way of preventing snow from turning to ice.”
He repeated the legal advice of the Attorney General that “there is no liability associated with clearing snow from outside their premises, provided that they do not create a health and safety risk in doing so”.
Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports started runway clearance operations once temperatures dropped in a bid to keep operations on schedule and the airports open for early morning flights today.
Bus Éireann said inspectors would be out from early morning to assess road conditions, location by location, and a spokesman pointed out that of 330 routes it operated, just three or four services had to be cancelled yesterday although some services to Sligo, Donegal and Derry were delayed and diverted as the snow hit early yesterday morning.
The Monaghan to Cavan route was cancelled, along with the Drogheda to Donore service, while the Tralee to Killorglin route was restarted after being cancelled in the morning.
The N4 Dublin to Sligo road was most affected yesterday by snow and conditions were dangerous particularly in Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford.
Iarnród Éireann operated full services yesterday and plans were in place “to deal with any eventuality”. Normal Luas and Dart services are expected to operate today.
Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports remained open yesterday but there were a number of delays and cancellations because of bad weather on the continent and Britain. Flights from Germany were particularly affected. Knock airport operated as scheduled although the airport will monitor conditions throughout the day.
Belfast City and Belfast International airports suspended flights for much of the day due to heavy snow.
The legal advice about clearing snow and ice from footpaths is available at transport.ie
Bus Éireann: passengers are asked to check buseireann.ie.
Iarnród Éireann: passengers are advised to visit irishrail.ie or follow twitter.com/irishrail for updates