210 schools closed in Northern Ireland after weekend of snow

Wintry conditions on the Stormont estate in east Belfast. Weather warnings are in place across the island of Ireland because of snow and ice. Picture: PA

More than 200 schools in Northern Ireland were closed and transport impacted following a weekend of snow and low temperatures.

Weather warnings remained in place across the island of Ireland on Monday after many woke up to find fresh snow had fallen overnight following a cold weekend.

The lowest temperature recorded was -7C in Katesbridge, Co Down.

Northern Ireland appeared to have been most severely impacted with some 210 schools closed according to the Education Authority, and some flights cancelled at Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland urged road users to take extra care, especially in areas which may not have been gritted due to wintry conditions.

“Clear your windscreen before you set off on your journey, and remember to slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead,” they said.

In Northern Ireland, a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering the region remained in place until midday on Monday.

Public transport provider Translink advised passengers to allow additional time for planned journeys.

In the Republic of Ireland, weather warnings have been extended into Tuesday.

The wintry conditions led to the closure of a range of schools and childcare services in Co Donegal on Monday.

Bus Eireann said several services had been cancelled or delayed due to icy road conditions.

A low temperature and ice warning applied to all of Munster as well as Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow until 11am on Monday.

A yellow warning for snow and ice applied to all of Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth until the same time.

On Monday morning, Met Eireann issued new warnings that came into effect immediately after these expired – lasting until 9am on Tuesday.

They were a yellow warning for low temperature and ice for all of Leinster and Munster as well as Galway, Roscommon, Cavan and Monaghan and a yellow warning for snow and ice for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.