More snow forecast for east over next 24 hours

Met Eireann has upgraded its weather warning status for the east of the country to orange.

This means further snow showers are forecast for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath for the next 24 hours, with accumulations up to 5cm.

Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Offaly, Westmeath and Monaghan will also be hit with further snow, but accumulations there will be up to 3cm.

The cold snap is expected to last right through the weekend, and it has caused disruption to Dublin Bus services today.

The Irish Farmers Association has said the bad weather is creating an increasingly desparate situation for farmers.

It said fodder stocks are being rapdily depleted and almost completely gone in some areas.

The association is calling on farmers with surplus fodder to distribute it to those in need and Deputy IFA President, Eddie Downey, said the weather is also killing lambs.