Country's supply of salt at 'critical' levels

Salt stocks to grit the country's roads are now described as "critical".

Local authorities may have to reserve stocks over the weekend in order to have roads open on Monday morning.

The Environment Minister John Gormley has said alternative supplies are being looked at, while the National Roads Authority is looking at other chemicals that can be used to de-ice roads.

Michael Egan from the NRA said: "It is too early to say if roads will end up closing due to a lack of salt."

Work is underway on unloading the latest shipment of gritting salt to reach the country.

Some 4,000 tonnes - or about 20% of the total needed for the entire country for one week of gritting - is being unloaded at Foynes Port in Co Limerick.

Around 200 trucks will transport the rock salt to 17 local authorities along the west coast from Donegal to North Cork.