Adverse weather to ease today but cause further chaos tomorrow

Met Eireann have said the adverse weather conditions will ease a little tonight but it is warning of further severe conditions tomorrow night and Thursday night.

Temperatures are forecast to remain just above freezing along the east of the country tonight but will fall below zero further inland and in the west.

There is more snow forecast for the east later today and temperatures are also expected to fall across the country once again.

Lows of minus eight were recorded last night but tonight is expected to be even colder.

Motorists are again being urged to avoid any unnecessary journeys or to use public transport where possible.

Meterologist Evelyn Cusack said the arctic conditions will return to most parts in the coming days although snow falls will not be as heavy.

The bad weather causing some disruption to public transport across the country.

Bus Eireann has cancelled some services in the worst hit areas of the Midlands and North East, while the GoBus company has suspended services from Galway to Dublin for the day.

Irish Rail said some of its Galway and Westport services are facing delays of up to an hour, but that should ease, and they are operating an otherwise full service.

Spokesperson for Irish Rail Barry Kenny says people should expect some disruption and delays. Rail information is available at 1850 366 222.

Council workers all over the country have been out since early morning gritting roads, but it seems the salt and grit isn't having much of an effect, particularly in parts of the Midlands.

A number of roads in Athlone and Mullingar in Co. Westmeath were forced to close today, because they were so treacherous.

Main roads in Co. Kildare have been gritted, but again conditions are still said to be treacherous.