Big freeze continues with no thaw in sight

Travellers were facing more misery today after severe ice left roads in many areas virtually impassable and the continuing cold snap also affected air schedules.

Transport chiefs warned that Dublin was one of the worst hit, with drivers facing treacherous conditions and long delays “if they must travel”.

Knock airport was closed this afternoon with up to 1,500 passengers affected.

Hundreds of schools around the country remained closed for the first day of the new term, while Dublin Bus was attempting to operate a full service on main routes into the city only.

Forecasters also warned people to take precautions, with the Arctic weather expected to last for another 10 days.

More than 45 bus services were altered to cope with frozen roads but rail bosses said they were only experiencing minor delays on a few lines.

Iarnrod Eireann said it was seeing very heavy demand for services and one destination station in the city centre had been changed from the Docklands to Connolly to reduce risk of delays.

Temperatures overnight fell to as low as minus 10C (14F) in Monaghan and minus 12C (10.4F) in Kildare.

Met Éireann warned there was little chance of conditions easing, with temperatures expected to remain low, from minus 2C (28.4F) to 4C (39.2F), throughout the day.

Dublin City Council warned that salt stocks were at critical levels - down to just one day's supply.

A spokesman for the authority said supplies were being rationed but deliveries were expected tomorrow from Britain, the North and Cork.

“We will take whatever we are given,” the council said.

Only main roads will be treated, with the City Council warning that footpaths would not be treated as resources were not available.

Dublin Airport, which closed for several hours yesterday after 5cm (2in) of snow fell, was operating as normal with a relatively small number of flights delayed or cancelled.

A Government emergency response committee was meeting this morning with representatives from several departments attending.

The Department of Transport was chairing the talks with health, environment and education chiefs also expected.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is abroad on holidays but a spokeswoman for the Department insisted he was being kept up-to-date.

Labour TD Liz McManus said she has emailed Taoiseach Brian Cowen calling for the Defence Forces to be called in to clear snow and ice.

“I am writing to request that you instruct the army to provide assistance to local authorities to ensure that the roads are made safe,” the Wicklow TD told the Taoiseach.

“Also to provide assistance to the many elderly and incapacitated people who are stuck in their homes.”

Ms McManus added: “It would make a huge difference if the local authorities could work in tandem with the army to lend support.”

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) advised learner drivers tests were being cancelled around the country.

“The RSA also advises candidates scheduled for a driving test not to travel if it is not safe to do so,” a spokesman said.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) urged workers to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks in the cold after last year saw the lowest number of workplace deaths since the organisation started its work in 1989 – 43.

Martin O’Halloran, HSA chief executive, said: “These conditions are some of the worst we’ve seen for many years and pose significant extra risk for workers, particularly those who drive for a living and work outdoors.

“Farmers are facing significant challenges at the moment and I would urge them to take extra care.

“If work must be undertaken on the farm alone, let someone know where you are and what time to expect you back at.

The safety chief added: “Even if you’re undertaking relatively simple work outdoors, be careful and be aware of the extra dangers posed by the ice and snow.”