Contingency plans put in place  as country braces for Beast from the East 2.0

The national forecaster says severe frost and ice will settle from Sunday and into early next week with falls of sleet and snow also expected. Picture: Andy Gibson. File Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has liaised with local authorities to prepare for a severe weather response to what Met Éireann is warning will be 'a significant snow event' next week.

The NDFEM and the national forecaster briefed local authorities early on Friday morning. They said the relevant Government departments are making contingency plans.