Worried shoppers stock up on supplies

SNOW and ice in the south caused some panic buying of milk, bread and fuel in supermarkets but many people just decided to stay at home on what is normally the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

Chief executive of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Mark Fielding, said it would be devastating for businesses in the south if the Arctic weather conditions persisted.

“There are a number of retailers who, after a bad year, are depending on Christmas to boost their sales for the year,” said Mr Fielding.