Transport services working well but motorists warned to take care
Public transport services were largely working as normal this evening, officials said, with gardaí however warning motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
Milder weather during the day has led to a partial thaw in certain areas affected by this week's cold snap, while meteorologists say the worst of the heavy snowfalls have now passed.
Coastal areas enjoyed the best of the day's winter sunshine with much of the midlands still snow- and ice-bound.
However the cold snap is expected to continue into the middle of next week, with temperatures again set to plummet tonight and freezing fog greatly hampering visibility.
Drivers are being advised to drive with dipped headlights and fog lights where appropriate, and to reduce speed.
Meanwhile, Met Éireann is warning that black ice on the roads remains a serious threat.
Meteorologist Gerald Fleming said temperatures were expected to drop to as low as minus 8 degrees over the coming nights, causing water from snowmelt to refreeze and create black ice.
“That will last for a good number of days yet,” Mr Fleming said.
“It will be very slow to clear and it will be very, very slippery… both for drivers and for pedestrians.”
Pedestrians also warned to watch out for snow falling from rooftops, not to use mobile phones while out walking, and not to walk with their hands in their pockets in case they fall.
Dublin Bus said most of its routes in the capital are operating normal services, with one or two minor curtailments.
However NightLink services will again be cancelled tonight due to the forecast frost and ice.
“We will not be operating NightLink services tonight, as we didn’t last night on safety grounds, “ Dublin Bus spokesperson Cliodhna Ni Fhatharta said.
Bus Éireann said that most of its services are running normally, although commuters can expect some delays in places.
“The vast majority of our services are operating as per normal around the country, with some delays and diversions in affected areas,” said spokesperson Andrew McLindon.
Mr McLindon said many services in the east and northeast which had been affected by the snowfalls earlier this week were now back on timetable following today's partial thaw.
Iarnrod Éireann said that rail services are running as normal for now with no major problems to report.
“We have full services operating across the network,” spokesman Barry Kenny said.
“They are operating well and reasonably punctually.”
Customers are being advised by all transport officials to double check travel times on transport.ie before setting out.
