Commuters struggle as more snow falls

Commuters woke today to more wintry showers as the big freeze continued its icy grip.

AA warned that overnight snow caused treacherous conditions in Dublin, particularly in the south of the city, with compacted snow and ice on routes.

Dublin Bus said a number of diversions and curtailments are in place, mostly in the southside, while all Luas trams are operating normally.

Iarnrod Eireann said that, despite some delays, it is operating a full service across Dart, Intercity and commuter routes, while Dublin Airport will run as usual.

Met Eireann said showers of hail, sleet and snow will continue to affect parts of Leinster, east Ulster and possibly east Munster, but will fall largely as sleet in eastern coastal areas.

Temperatures will at best reach 3C.

Many schools are expected to remain closed. While Bus Eireann services will face disruptions in the north east, the vast majority are operating as normal across the state.

AA Roadwatch said that although there is little or no snow in Munster, there was a hard freeze overnight, with further snow and hail showers in many areas, as well as thunder and lightning in parts.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said yesterday that main roads were being treated and salted, but advised motorists not to make any unnecessary journeys and to use public transport.

Met Eireann had forecast five to 10cm (two to four inches) of snow to fall in inland locations by this evening, with residents in counties Louth and Dublin bracing themselves for traffic chaos, where between 10 to 20cm was expected to settle.

Councils along the east coast have already used 2,000 tonnes salt a day over the weekend - three times more than normal - to keep roads clear.

The Defence Forces revealed troops are transporting hospice nurses and medicines around remote areas of Dublin to patients of Harolds Cross Hospice and St Francis Hospice.

© Press Association