Freezing temperatures make driving conditions hazardous

Road conditions are hazardous across the country after heavy overnight snowfall and ice, it was warned today.

AA Roadwatch appealed to all motorists not to make any unnecessary journeys particularly in Ulster, Sligo, Mayo, Kildare and Waterford city.

Forecasters issued a weather warning and said the bitterly cold snap will continue for the next four days.

Met Éireann said there is widespread frost, with further scattered wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow expected.

Temperatures are due to plummet to -8C overnight.

Dublin Bus said driving conditions were extremely difficult.

"Buses have been leaving garages this morning but there is likely to be significant curtailments and diversions to some services today," said a spokeswoman.

Bus Éireann also revealed delays and disruptions to its services during the day, particularly across the east of the country.

While train services appear to be running as normal, some flights in and put of Dublin Airport have been delayed.

AA Roadwatch said several roads are treacherous while the Sally Gap and the Wicklow Gap are impassable.

It urged all drivers to reduce their speed and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey yesterday revealed the country's transport agencies would ensure commuters face the least disruption possible during the cold snap.

He also stressed the National Roads Authority had sourced 80,000 tonnes of salt supplies for the road network in the event of prolonged severe weather.

The total average salt use over a complete winter is on average 60,000 tonnes.

"Local authorities are already treating roads during this cold period and they are prioritising critical access routes to the main national road network," Mr Dempsey said.

Elsewhere Britain shivered in some record low temperatures overnight - including a "minus 17C in Wales - as the big freeze maintained its grip on the country.