COMMUTERS HAVE been warned of a continuing threat from icy roads as the big return to work starts today after the Christmas holidays.
With temperatures dropping below zero again last night, and as low as -8 degrees in the midlands, gardaí warned motorists to allow ample time for their journeys and leave other vehicles sufficient space to avoid collisions.
While today should start mostly dry, further snow is forecast in different parts of the Republic throughout the week, as the cold spell extends into its fifth week.
Gritting crews will be out on motorways and main routes from early this morning but many secondary routes and housing estate roads remain untreated and treacherous.
The National Roads Authority warned drivers travelling on motorways this morning not to overtake other traffic, as gritting has been concentrated on travelling lanes.
Gardaí said that all motorists should reduce their speed and be particularly careful on all roads.
Overall, the State’s transport system had improved by last night. Flights at Dublin airport returned to normal after long delays from New Year’s Eve. Train services were operating as normal last night and the Dublin Dart and Luas public transport systems were unaffected by weather conditions.
Difficulties on the Dublin to Limerick Bus Éireann route were resolved by last night. Services in Cork were severely disrupted, but apart from the service to west Cork, most had resumed by lunchtime.
In Dublin city, clear main arteries and city centre roads belied dangerous conditions on side roads and in estates, where frozen and compacted snow offered little traction for drivers.
Most Dublin Bus routes were operating last night, but 28 were curtailed because of road conditions.
The cold weather is set to continue in the coming week with Met Éireann forecasting wintry showers and low temperatures for most parts of the country.
Severe frosts and low daytime temperatures are expected today, not rising above five degrees. Most places are expected to stay dry, with a risk of scattered wintry showers spreading southwards across Ulster and north Connacht and into parts of north Leinster.
Tonight, snow is forecast in Ulster and the northern parts of Leinster and Connacht.
Wintry showers will affect Ulster and north Connacht tomorrow, and the east on Wednesday.
Forecasters have also predicted the possibility of more widespread snow during Thursday. Temperatures are to remain low during next weekend, though it is expected to remain dry.