Regional round-up reports from around the country

NORTHWEST : DONEGAL County Council said it had enough gritting salt to cope with the early big freeze that has affected the …

NORTHWEST: DONEGAL County Council said it had enough gritting salt to cope with the early big freeze that has affected the county's 1,070km network of national primary, national secondary and regional roads.

Donegal senior roads engineer, Vincent Lynn, said 23 lorries were being used on 24 winter gritting routes around the county as well as emergencies on minor roads as they arise. – Linda McGrory

SOUTHEAST:SNOWFALL of 5cm and more across the southeast led to dangerous road conditions and the cancellation of sporting fixtures throughout yesterday.

Bus Éireann had to restrict its Dublin Airport to Rosslare, Co Wexford, service throughout the day, with buses only travelling from the airport as far as Gorey because of icy conditions along the N11. In Waterford city, gardaí warned motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary because of the condition of local roads.

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There were also restricted bus services around Waterford as well as in New Ross and Rosslare.

– Conor Kane

NORTHERN IREALND: SNOW fell across Northern counties yesterday afternoon following the coldest November night on record.

Counties Antrim and Derry were worst affected with snow blocking the main Limavady to Coleraine road and the bus service linking Derry city and Belfast suspended overnight because of the severe conditions on the Glenshane Pass. – Dan Keenan

NORTHEAST: WITH the below zero temperatures expected to continue for the coming days Meath County Council yesterday issued an appeal to home owners, "not to leave taps running overnight as this will lead to water shortages and may result in disruptions to [water] supply".

In Co Louth a spokesman for the county council said 95 per cent of regional roads in the county were being gritted but warned that even roads that had been gritted can be dangerous until the salt has had a chance to be mixed into ice/snow.

– Elaine Keogh

WEST:A METEORITE was sighted shooting over Galway last night as air temperatures fell to -6 degrees.

The fireball was spotted by several people in the Knocknacarra area west of Galway city just after 5.30pm. Air temperatures rarely rose above zero all day yesterday throughout the west, and several minor collisions were reported in Galway city.

Mayo was also blanketed in snow and ice, with difficult driving conditions on the N5 Dublin road at Swinford and through Claremorris. Mayo county manager Peter Hynes warned that a prolonged arctic spell would put a severe strain on the finances of hard-pressed local authorities. – Lorna Siggins and Tom Shiel

SOUTH:MUNSTER escaped the worst of the snow yesterday despite sub-zero temperatures but Cork City Council has issued a cold weather alert. The local authority asked householders to check on their neighbours and urged cyclists and pedestrians to be careful because of the possibility of black ice.

The Road Safety Authority is also urging drivers to remember to check that their tyres are suitable for icy and snowy conditions.

– Olivia Kelleher