ADVICE:HUNDREDS OF schools are likely to close over the coming week as a protracted cold spell sets in.
A spokesman for the Department of Education said the closure of individual schools was up to the schools and each had their own way of informing pupils.
AA Roadwatch is forecasting worsening conditions this week. It has renewed its warning for drivers to proceed with caution, allow additional time for journeys and increase the braking distance. Care is advised on hills, rural routes and housing estates where conditions may be hazardous.
AE departments are likely to be inundated over the next week.
Irish Association for Emergency Medicine honorary secretary Dr John McInerney said there had already been a “huge influx” of people into the Mater hospital suffering from injuries caused by the bad weather.
He said the cold spell would impose an “extra burden” on overstretched AE departments.
Cork City Council has advised the public to avoid frozen pipes by wrapping a towel around an outside tap, open the attic trap door to allow heat in and place a piece of insulation over an external stopcock.
Alone, the voluntary organisation working with older people living on their own, has stressed how important it is to check in on older neighbours, family and friends who live alone – especially with the cold spell expected to last several days.
In Donegal, at least 80 schools will be shut this morning and many have already announced they will not be opening tomorrow either.
Donegal County Council’s team of gritters were flat out last night on 24 routes. While most main routes were passable with care, many secondary roads were impassable.