Cold snap set to last until Thursday

Motorists have been warned of the dangers of freezing fog and black ice as the sub zero temperatures continue for another two nights.

Met Eireann forecast snow falling in the north and west will spread across the midlands, with wintry outbreaks of sleet and snow in parts of Leinster and east Munster.

Temperatures are set to plummet to minus 8 degrees overnight, causing freezing fog and widespread ice on untreated roads and footpaths.

Snow is not expected to fall in Dublin, but the bitterly cold weather is due to last until Thursday when temperatures will rise and slowly thaw thick ice.

Noel Brett, of the Road Safety Authority, said dense fog reduces visibility and makes driving very dangerous.

“Freezing fog, when liquid fog droplets freeze to surfaces, can make it difficult to keep the windscreen surface clear. Combined with icy road surfaces, it’s a driver’s worst nightmare,” he said.

“Road users should follow weather forecasts and general advice about driving conditions, and should avoid driving, cycling or walking in fog unless absolutely necessary.”

Although main roads have been gritted, pedestrians are warned to take extra care on treacherous footpaths and in housing estates, with communities urged to clear ice from outside homes and businesses.

Health chiefs reported a 30% to 50% increase in the numbers attending emergency departments over the weekend, many suffering broken bones from falls.

The Defence Forces said more than 1,300 soldiers and 420 vehicles have been used to assist the civil authorities during the cold snap.

A spokesman said its focus remains on providing mobility to health care professionals in 4x4 vehicles and assisting with snow and ice clearance.

Meanwhile Age Action urged people to check on elderly neighbours and relatives during the prolonged cold snap, claiming people could be running out of food, fuel and medication.

The cold weather has already claimed the life of two pensioners, including an 85-year-old man who was found dead near his home outside Ballina in Co Mayo.

Gardaí believe he died after he slipped and fell on ice.

Meteorologist Gerald Fleming said the bitterly cold temperatures will continue for a few days before a thaw sets in on Thursday.

"It's still looking reasonably good for the second half of the week," Mr Fleming said.

"Wednesday night will be less cold, with temperatures still below freezing but only barely below."

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be "much less cold", he said.

Irish Rail is advising customers that full services have now resumed on its Intercity, DART and Commuter routes.

Trains were not running between M3 Parkway and Clonsilla in recent days because of the adverse weather conditions.

Passengers are advised that the Docklands station in the capital is also re-opening this afternoon but there are still some delays.

Bus Eireann said the vast majority of its services were operating as normal, while Dublin Bus said a small number of routes have suffered diversions and curtailments.

Dublin Bus later confirmed its services will stop running from 9pm tonight due to icy road conditions and expected snow.

“Dublin Bus will be making every effort possible to operate a full bus service tomorrow morning, Tuesday 7th December,” it added.

Hundreds of schools around the country also remain closed due to icy conditions.

Elsewhere Dublin City Council advised homeowners not to run taps or waste water during the cold snap after 11 water mains broke over the weekend, but stressed there was increased water in reservoirs close to urban areas.

Galway City Council also revealed residents in the west side of the city have had continuing disruption to water due to exceptionally high demand on supplies from Clifton Hill Reservoir.

“The public’s co-operation in conserving water use, including not allowing taps to run continuously, would also greatly assist in allowing water levels to return to normal,” it added.

Meanwhile eircom has said there are currently over 4,900 reported faults on its network, with both broadband and telephone services impacted.

"Eircom repair crews worked through the weekend clearing more than 1,700 faults over Friday and the weekend," the company said.

"Today close to 700 eircom field technicians continue to work nationwide to reach customers without service."

The areas with the highest fault levels are north Dublin city and county, Dublin city centre, as well as counties Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford, Laois and Meath.

"Field technicians in Wexford, Carlow and Wicklow in particular continue to face the most extreme and dangerous road conditions but are making every effort to get as many faults cleared in these areas as soon as possible," eircom said.

Additionally, heavy snowfalls today in Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo have hampered repair efforts.