Road conditions still dangerous

Motorists have again been warned of dangerous conditions throughout the country after freezing conditions overnight.

Motorists have again been warned of dangerous conditions throughout the country after freezing conditions overnight.

AA Roadwatch said road temperatures remained sub-zero earlier today altough air temperatures rose above freezing in some parts of the country by mid-afternoon.

It said there had been a very slight improvement in western areas, but that care was essential on all routes, especially on secondary roads.

Gardaí are still advising road users not to make unnecessary journeys and to use public transport where possible.

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There is still frost, freezing fog, compacted snow and ice to contend with and those who do take to the road should stick to the main roads where possible, drive at reduced speed and avoid overtaking.

Drivers are also advised to use fog lights in affected areas and switch them off afterwards.

Pedestrians are urged to avoid walking on the road and should wear high visibility clothing.

Met Éireann said today would be generally dry and bright with a mixture of sunny spells and cloudy periods.

Some showery rain will develop on northern and northwestern coasts.

Temperatures this afternoon reached highs of zero to 4 degrees in central, eastern and northern areas, but higher elsewhere, with temperatures as high as 7 to 9 degrees, in Atlantic coastal counties, the met service said.

With temperatures set to rise slowly over the next four days, widespread flooding is not anticipated as the country returns to more normal Atlantic-influenced weather conditions.

Iarnrod Éireann is running a full service today while Dublin Bus said curtailments and delays are likely on some services. Bus Éireann said commuter routes in the east and north east are operating this morning with some delays and diversions.

Airports around the country are all fully operational and ferry services are scheduled to run as normal.

The Defence Forces are continuing to provide assistance to local communities and civil authorities during the cold spell.

Almost 2,000 soldiers have been deployed in over 600 activities including clearing snow and ice from roads, supplying meals on wheels to the elderly and transporting front-line medical professionals to hospitals since the adverse weather began.