Cork weather: Council urges public not to travel due to treacherous conditions

Parts of West Cork have experienced heavy falls of snow Picture: Andy Gibson

The Cork public is being urged not to travel on the roads unless "absolutely necessary" after a significant amount of snow fell in parts of the county over the weekend. 

The snowfall has led to "widespread icy conditions" in parts of mid-Cork, the northwest and north of the county. 

A yellow warning for low temperature/ice remains in place until midday on Thursday for the entire country, while a status yellow snow and ice warning for the whole country will be in place from midday on Monday for 24 hours. 

Cork County Council has urged road users to only carry out essential journeys, to slow down, drive with caution and to be aware of others on the road. 

"If a road has been treated by a gritter or snowplough, do not assume that the road is safe to travel. There may still be underlying snow or ice which would make the road hazardous," a spokesperson said. 

While most priority routes were treated overnight, the spokesperson said conditions remained dangerous. 

In some cases, where road surfaces were treated, rainfall could wash off the salt, which then combined with low temperatures could lead to ice forming. 

Difficult driving conditions on the M8 at Glanmire, Co Cork, during a snowfall on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins

The public is being urged to avoid the N20 Charleville to allow ploughing and gritting operations. Two ploughs are currently operating on the route. 

Further impacts on roads include: 

• A snow plough is working on the Newmarket to Rockchapel road, with only a single lane cleared in place due to snow accumulations; 
• The Banteer to Nadd road remains closed due to fallen trees; 
• The regional Newtown to Bog Cross road in Dromina is impassable because of compacted snow; 
• Conditions on the R582 Macroom to Millstreet and the R619 Coachford to Donoghmore roads are very poor; 
• There are also reports of ice on the N71 at the Viaduct. Salting in the area is ongoing. 

Additionally, Cork County Council crews will be focusing on treating town centres and footpaths, especially in North Cork, on Monday morning. 

Pedestrians are being advised to take extra care. 

"Where snow has fallen, or where there is a risk of lingering ice, do not venture out unless it is absolutely necessary," a county council spokesperson said. 

"Be aware of the fact that greenways, cycleways and other public amenities will likely not have been treated. Remember that a simple trip/fall could give rise to the need for a hospital admission, so please take extra care," the spokesperson added.

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