Flights resume at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport this afternoon said flight operations had resumed after snow and ice crews worked for several hours to have the airfield ready.

Further heavy falls of snow this morning resulted in the DAA again suspending operations until the runway could be cleared.

However airlines are now trying to clear the backlog after the closure, which resulted in aircraft being diverted to other airports in Ireland.

Passengers intending to travel should contact their airline or airline’s website before going to the airport, officials said.

The closure was criticised by Ryanair, who said the DAA’s failure to keep even one runway open or to clear light snow falls quickly "has caused even more cancelled flights and thousands more distressed passengers today".

Elsewhere, Cork, Shannon and Knock airports are fully operational.

The airports are facing one of their busiest days as the airlines attempt to clear the backlog of passengers stranded by the freezing weather conditions.

Ryanair and Aer Lingus have added extra flights to help clear the backlog.

Both airlines say they are confident that they will be able to bring all passengers who have been stranded over the past few days to their destinations in time for Christmas, while Dublin Airport authorities said the airport may have to open on Christmas Day to get people in and out of the country.

Bus Éireann said it would operate a limited inter-city service to and from Dublin Airport and Dublin (Busaras) on Christmas Day to main destinations around the country.

Services will operate to and from Limerick, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Rosslare Harbour, Ballina, Sligo, Waterford, Letterkenny, Donegal, Clonmel, and Derry. All services will operate via the main towns en-route.

"Bus Éireann, in consultation with the Dublin Airport Authority and other transport agencies, is operating these services to facilitate people who may be arriving into Dublin city centre or Dublin Airport on Christmas Day," the company said.

Meanwhile snow showers in the east of the country are causing further problems for people on the roads this afternoon.

Local authority teams are working to clear main roads and motorways but conditions in many parts of the country are still very dangerous.

Met Eireann says the snow showers - which are affecting parts of Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford - will continue throughout the afternoon but will come to an end this evening.

Gardaí this afternoon said traffic on the N4 and N7 was heavy this afternoon due to the large amounts of holiday traffic leaving Dublin city.

On the N4 the congestion is compunded by a van broken down in the outer overtaking lane. Gardaí are at scene and the van will be removed as soon as possible.

"We would like to remind motorists that when they leave the primary routes that conditions on the secondary routes and lesser roads may not be as favourable," gardaí said.

"Extra caution is urged and pre-planning is to be advised. Allow adequate time and check ahead to see what conditions are like local to your destination point."

The Department of Transport this advised all drivers intending to travel today and tomorrow to plan their journey carefully and heed the advice of the gardaí and the RSA on road safety.

The Department in a transport update said that all major inter-city roads and local primary routes are being treated and maintained for the severe weather.

AA Roadwatch warned motorists driving home for Christmas to travel in daylight, double check their car, and leave extra time for their journey as many roads are hazardous.

Those heading to a snow-affected rural area should pack a shovel, warm coat and boots.

Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus said services around the country are operating as normal, with some delays and diversions in affected areas. It is expected that Nitelink services will operate this evening.

Irish Rail advised passengers travelling by train that there is expected to be heavy demand on Intercity services today and tomorrow, Christmas Eve.

"Customers intending to travel on Intercity service should book their travel on www.irishrail.ie if possible," a statement said.

"Tickets will be sold at train stations but customers with bookings will be prioritised. Please arrive at your station early, and allow time to reach the station, taking into account the difficult road and footpath conditions which exist."

Both the red and green Luas lines are open today and Luas has increased capacity on the Red line that links Tallaght with the Point.