Motorists warned to slow down as snow compacts

Motorists are being warned to heed safety advice and slow down, as the cold snap continues.

The north, north west, west, midlands and south west are covered in a blanket of thick snow.

Elsewhere, temperatures which are barely rising above freezing are leading to ice and black ice on roads.

Sean Hogan, National Chairman of the Severe Weather Co-Ordination Group says there's no immediate let up in sight:

"The very severe cold with very low temperatures and heavy frost is going to persist right up to the end of this week," he said.

He said snow would stay on the ground and compact until the thaw comes. Earlier, Gerald Fleming of Met Éireann said a thaw was expected next weekend.