CARS were abandoned on roads and traffic on a busy motorway was at a standstill earlier today as icy weather gripped Ireland.
Traffic on the M8 Southbound is experiencing long delays this evening due to icy roads in freezing cold conditions.
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Icy weather caused several disruptions across the country, with a number of cars already abandoned on the roads due to hazardous driving conditions.
The advice remains to only travel today if it is essential.
Cork Safety Alerts has taken to social media to warn drivers of expected long delays as traffic comes to a standstill on the M8 Southbound Dublin to Cork Road near Cashel.
An image taken from the scene showed a number of cars stuck in stand-still traffic on the busy motorway.
Gardai in Cork said that the weather and road conditions in Charleville, Mallow and Kanturk are extremely poor.
They said: “Driving conditions are hazardous with many roads impassable and there are a number of cars already abandoned.
“Gardai would strongly advise members of the public not travel on roads in these areas.”
The M3/N3 Southbound is also experiencing delays this evening after a multi-vehicle collision.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland warned drivers to expect delays and follow the instructions of emergency services.
TII said: “Between J7 Skyrne/Kilmessan and J6 Dunshaghlin (5 kilometres north of the Dunshaughlin area). Multi-vehicle collision.
“Delays to your journey will occur. Consider a different journey route or start time.
“When approaching the collision location, drive with caution, reduce your speed and obey instructions from emergency services.”
Kerry County Council is also reporting a “significant” accumulations of snow in many local and secondary roads.
They said: “Many local and secondary roads in the county have significant lying now.
“Our road crews in all Municipal Districts are dealing with the priority roads and realistically won’t get to local roads as snow continue to fall.”
TRAVEL CHAOS
Heavy snowfalls have caused travel chaos across north Munster, with the worst areas hit being north Kerry, north Cork, south Limerick and Tipperary.
It has been reported that the accumulated snow is more than a metre deep in some parts.
And snow ploughs have been deployed on the Cork-Killarney-Tralee, Limerick-Cork, and parts of north Cork.
The Sallygap Road is closed due to weather conditions.
Wicklow County Council reported that travel conditions in the area are hazardous, with heavy snow and ice.
They said: “Please avoid this area for your safety. The road will reopen when it is safe to do so.”
A video of the M3 between Cavan and Dublin shows the road covered in snow, with Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather warning people who leave Dublin to expect a “big change” as they move away from the capital.
‘LETHAL’ CONDITIONS TOMORROW
Some roads are also impassable in Limerick, with extremely poor conditions near the Galtee Mountains’ foothills.
In a post on social media, Kildare Weather said that road conditions will be “absolutely lethal” in the morning.”
They said: “Snow is gradually petering out now this evening after widespread accumulations.
“Skies will clear out later and severe icing will take place on surfaces so will make roads absolutely lethal in the morning.”
SERVICES SUSPENDED
Passengers are being told to check the timetable before travelling as many services are facing significant delays due to the heavy snowfall.
All Cork-Dublin services in both directions are facing significant delays due to snow/ice affecting level crossings between Mallow-Charleville.
Tralee/Mallow services are also delayed due to earlier fallen trees and awaiting connections from delayed Cork services.
Irish Rail said that the Limerick/Limerick Junction and Limerick/Ballybrophy services are replaced with bus transfers.
They added: “All routes will operate, but customers are advised to allow additional time to reach your station in areas affected by snow and icy conditions, and that delays may occur.
“No Limerick-Nenagh-Ballybrophy services will operate tomorrow morning Monday 06th January 2025.
“Due to poor road conditions there are no bus transfers available. This will be reviewed again tomorrow mid-morning.”
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