OVER 100 gardaí as well as officials from Revenue and the Criminal Assets Bureau were yesterday involved in a major early morning operation which led to 15 arrests and the discovery of 100,000 contraband cigarettes.

Treacherous road conditions are being reported right around the country again this morning following a night of sub-zero conditions.

Motorists have been warned of the dangers of freezing fog and black ice as the sub zero temperatures continue for another two nights.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen said workers’ efforts to keep the country running in the big freeze showed the true sense of public service.

Commuters grappled with treacherous conditions today after fresh overnight snowfalls as the big freeze showed no sign of a let-up.

The arctic conditions gripping the country are showing no signs of easing as Met Eireann warn that further snow showers will affect many parts of Leinster and east Munster today and tonight.

MET ÉIREANN says that the subzero temperatures of recent days will continue until the weekend.

Motorists are bracing themselves tonight for treacherous road conditions when temperatures plummet as the cold snap continues.

Commuters woke today to more wintry showers as the big freeze continued its icy grip.

IT will remain bitterly cold until Friday with snowfalls less likely from tonight, according to Met Éireann.

Severe weather has been causing widespread travel disruption across the country today, leading to cancelled flights and dangerous driving conditions.

THE newly formed Alliance for the Betterment of Coursing held its inaugural National meeting on Sunday last in Nenagh and organisers were delighted with the huge turnout.

THE welcome renewal of commitment by our political parties to the 1916 Proclamation hopefully will strengthen their will not to dilute further our sovereignty without the expressed will of the people given through the ballot box.