Second cold snap begins

The country is bracing itself for the widespread return of snow and ice as the second cold snap in as many weeks rolls in from the west.

Heavy snow is reported across the west and north this morning, and Met Éireann has predicted snowfalls in all areas by tonight, with further falls over the weekend.

Motorists are advised to use extreme care as snow, ice and freezing fog make for treacherous driving conditions.

The National Roads Authority says existing salt supplies will have to be used sparingly over the weekend until fresh truckloads arrive next week.

Spokesperson Sean O'Neill says there is just enough salt and grit to keep main roads clear, but that this will have to be carefully rationed.

"It is on the way, the good news is it has left their ports in the northern Mediterranean, and also of north Africa, Cairo and Morocco," he said. "They will be here by the end of next week, middle to the end of next week, but we really need to conserve usage."