Fog and ice to pose further problems

Drivers are being warned of black ice and freezing fog this evening as Met Éireann forecasts another night of sub-zero temperatures.

Dense fog will be widespread, particularly in the Midlands, and temperatures will drop to as low as minus 9 degrees.

However, it will remain mostly dry.

Chairman of the National Emergency Response Committee Sean Hogan said if motorists have to take to the roads, they need to slow down.

"We are particularly concerned from reports indicating that some people are driving way too fast for the road conditions that are out there," Mr Hogan said.

"Secondary roads and footpaths also remain very dangerous.

"Our message for pedestrians and drivers is again to move about with great care."

Pedestrians are advised to concentrate on where they are walking; wear appropriate footwear; keep hands out of pockets and to refrain from using mobile phones when walking.

Dublin Bus has curtailments on a number of routes and services will end at 9pm this evening.

Bus Éireann said there will be curtailments to some of its routes in the north east.

Trains are for the most part running to schedule.

Meanwhile hospitals across the country are reporting a surge in patients because of the cold snap.

HSE spokesperson Gavin McGuire said that fracture cases have rocketed for this time of year.

"It's still up 30% to 50% on what one would normally expect at this time of year," he said.

The HSE said additional measures had been taken to deal with the upsurge.

Local authorities have used 27,500 tonnes of salt to treat the country's roads so far.

Teams have been out in force, gritting countless streets, ensuring there hasn't been a single major road accident.

Sean O'Neill of the National Roads Authority said there is no danger of supplies running low, with further shipments of salt set to arrive this week.

"By Christmas we will be back up to around 50,000 (tonnes of salt stockpiled), while by January we will be closer to having 100,000," Mr O'Neill said.

Bus Éireann passenger services being curtailed this evening in the east include:

Route 100X Dundalk Drogheda Dublin – Last bus 19:30 from Dundalk to Dublin. Last bus 22:00 from Dublin to Dundalk, from Custom House Quay.

Route 101 Drogheda Dublin – Last bus 17:30 from Drogheda to Dublin. Last bus 19:00 from Dublin to Drogheda.

Route 177 Monaghan Dublin – via M1 from Ardee, not serving Collon, Slane or Ashbourne.