Motorists have been warned to slow down today on roads which are becoming increasingly dangerous due to the continuing cold weather.
The freezing fog and black ice which have become a feature of secondary roads throughout the State in the last fortnight are now also causing severe problems on motorways and national routes.
Met Éireann has warned that it will become noticeably colder on New Year’s Eve, with strong Arctic winds.
Tonight will be cold, windy and overcast with falls of rain and sleet everywhere with a continued risk of snow, especially on high ground. Lowest temperatures will range 0 to 5 C and remain coldest in the north.
Speaking on radio this morning Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Ludlow advised all road users to be wary of the dangers when driving.
He said: “It is important to realise the conditions differ significantly right across the country and indeed the overnight thaw has probably left some of the roads in a more aggravated condition.
“It is very important that motorists and indeed pedestrians recognise that there are several dangers out there particularly in shaded untreated areas.”
Gardaí also advised motorists to avoid the areas of Sallygap, Glenmalure and Aughavanna in the Wicklow area due to dangerous road conditions.
“All emergency services have no access to these areas and people are advised not to travel in these locations,” a spokesman said.
AA Roadwatch warns that roads remain icy particularly on secondary routes in Ulster, Connaught and Leinster, while snow is falling in parts of County Kerry and Galway.
The N76 Clonme-/Kilkenny road at the Glenbower Hill truck stop and the N52 Ardee-Kells road are reported as icy and there are dangerous conditions on the Sixmilebridge-Clonlara road due to slush.
Extreme care is advised around Dingle due to frequent snow showers while icy conditions remain on most roads in Ulster and Connaught.