Black ice is causing driving difficulties as temperatures drop and freezing fog continues to affect much of the country
Motorists have been advised to take care as black ice continues to affect much of the country. Temperatures are forecasted to fall as low as minus 9 degrees tonight.
Most road temperatures rose above zero this afternoon but have fallen back below zero in many areas at this stage with temperatures as low as minus 4.7 recorded on the N2 at Monaghan.
Hazardous driving conditions have been reported across the country and motorists are advised to take extreme care on all routes.
Heavy fog has been reported in many areas and motorists have been advised to use fog lamps.
Met Éireann has issued a weather warning forecasting widespread freezing fog tonight and tomorrow.
Icy conditions and a severe frost are predicted throughout. Wintry showers will gradually spread southwards with fresh snow falling in places.
Gardaí in Meath urged motorists to only make necessary trips warning that side roads remain an issue. They advised people to give themselves extra time for their trips, exercise caution and show courtesy to other road users.
Freezing fog is forming in parts of south Louth and the Ardee link road is said to be dangerous in places.
Dublin airport was fully operational today although passengers have been warned of possible delays due as the backlog caused by a Spanish air traffic controllers strike which ended yesterday is cleared.
Snow and ice clearing teams remain on stand by should weather conditions deteriorate and passengers are advised to consult with their airline's website before coming to the airport.
Dublin Bus is ending its city service at 9pm.
Speaking yesterday, Met Éireann’s head of forecasting Gerard Fleming warned that packed ice will be "very, very slow to thaw".
He said the country may see overnight temperatures of -6 or -7 degrees next week but increased temperatures should bring an 'accelerated thaw' from Wednesday onwards.
The public has been asked to keep in contact with elderly neighbours, particularly those living alone.
Dublin City Council has warned the public to be aware of the dangers posed by large amounts of snow deposited on roofs.
A moderate thaw over the last 48 hours has caused heavy volumes of snow to slide of roofs. This presents a potential hazard and people should avoid standing or walking directly under roofs. The council extended the advice to smokers standing outside pubs, restaurants and other buildings.
Most Bus Éireann services around the country operated normally with some delays and cancellations in affected areas. Customers are advised to contact Bus Éireann for details.
Iarnród Éireann is running a full service today except the M3 Parkway to Clonsilla.
Rail services are expected to continue operating this evening throughout the network across Intercity, Dart and commuter routes except the M3 Parkway to Clonsilla. Affected travellers are advised to use Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann scheduled services
There may be some minor delays due to snow and ice or freezing conditions. Intending travellers have been advised to allow extra travel time to arrive at stations due to poor road and footpath conditions.
The business group Ibec estimates that a two-week freeze will cost the economy an estimated €920 million, based on a loss of retail sales of €130 million a week, loss to other service businesses of €200 million and a €130 million loss of production in manufacturing, although much of this will be recovered when the weather improves.
The Department of Social Protection has extended the period for which those in receipt of the State pension, jobseeker’s payment, the one-parent family payment and child benefit can collect their money from local post offices.
Useful numbers:
Age Action 01-4756989
Muintir na Tire 086-6000751
Society of St Vincent de Paul 01-8386990