Wicklow County Council Warns of Hazardous Road Conditions Amid Severe Snowfall
Dublin: Wicklow County Council has urged the public to exercise extreme caution on roads as dangerous snow and ice conditions persist in the region. Despite ongoing salting efforts, the roads remain hazardous, with a heightened risk of accidents. Local residents have described this winter as the harshest since 1978.
Road Conditions in Wicklow
Snow has blanketed County Wicklow’s roads for several days, with significant accumulations on mountain routes, particularly in the Ropers Town area. The council has strongly advised against unnecessary travel on mountain roads and cautioned motorists not to assume roads are open without confirmation.
Challenges Across Other Counties
In Donegal, temperatures as low as -4°C have been recorded, creating widespread icy conditions. Brian Cannon, Director of Roads and Transport for Donegal County Council, reported that approximately 1,140 kilometres of roads are being gritted daily across 21 routes. Crews are prioritising untreated roads and replenishing grit stocks for public use. However, black ice and extreme cold are complicating snow clearance efforts.
Similarly, Galway City Council has increased salt spreading as part of its Winter Service Plan on routes where temperatures are forecast to drop below -2°C. Local authority weather teams across affected counties are actively monitoring conditions, while Gardaí have reminded motorists to exercise additional caution.
Impacts on Schools and Services
The freezing weather has forced the closure of numerous schools and disrupted transport services.
Donegal: Schools in areas such as Raphoe, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Kilmacrennan, and Moville were closed.
Leitrim and Sligo: Schools in Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Riverstown, and Ballymote were also shut down.
Bus Services: Local services in the northwest have faced delays, with TFI Local Link suspending door-to-door services for HSE Day Services and demand-responsive routes in Sligo and Leitrim.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Experts are advising drivers to take care when defrosting windscreens during winter. Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, highlighted the risks of popular DIY methods circulating on social media, such as using plastic bags filled with boiling water.
Key Advice for Defrosting Windscreens:
- Avoid Boiling Water: Use hot water, not boiling, in a sealed bag to avoid cracking the glass.
- Preventive Measures: Cover windscreens overnight with specialised covers or even cardboard to prevent snow buildup. Wrapping wing mirrors with carrier bags can also be effective.
- Natural Remedies: Use a vinegar-water solution as a natural antifreeze. Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to clear the glass effortlessly.
- Avoid Prolonged Heating: Relying on interior heating to melt snow can be inefficient, costly, and harmful to engine life.
Support for the Community
Local councils, in collaboration with voluntary organisations and community groups, continue to provide support to those affected by the extreme conditions. The Galway City Council’s COP Galway charity is actively assisting the homeless, while hotels such as the Longcourt Hotel in Newcastle West and the Charleville Park Hotel in Cork are offering hot meals and charging stations for phones.
Weather Outlook
Meteorologists have warned that temperatures will continue to plummet overnight, with the lowest temperatures expected in areas such as Casement Aerodrome in Dublin, Gurteen in Tipperary, and Ballyhaise in Cavan. Snow and black ice will remain a significant hazard, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and prioritise safety.
The National Emergency Coordination Group and local councils are closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions and will provide updates as necessary.
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