Drivers warned on motorway overtaking hazard

THE NATIONAL Roads Authority (NRA) has warned drivers travelling on motorways this morning not to overtake as gritting has been concentrated on travelling (non-overtaking) lanes.

Seán O’Neill of the NRA said motorists returning to work in Dublin and elsewhere should stay in the travelling lane of motorways, particularly the N6, N4, N7 and N9.

“There has been gritting in both lanes, but it has been concentrated on the travelling lanes,” he said.

“Central barriers have also prevented sunshine from reaching the passing lanes on some routes, so there has been poor thawing.”

He said drivers should not overtake other traffic and should drive slowly.

The Garda warned all motorists to reduce their speed and be particularly careful on all roads. In a statement issued last night, the force said that the continuing cold weather would make travelling treacherous and dangerous for all road-users this week.

The AA also advised against unnecessary travel in several counties, including parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, Offaly, Limerick, Cork, Tipperary, Sligo and Galway.

However, the Republic’s transport system had improved by last night.

Flights at Dublin airport returned to normal after delays from new year’s eve. A spokeswoman said that delays experienced yesterday could be attributed to difficulties at other airports.

She added that there was a team at the airport working around the clock to ensure the runways are de-iced.

Cork airport experienced delays in arrivals and departures of up to 20 minutes, also attributable to airports in Europe. A spokeswoman for Shannon airport said there were no difficulties there.

Train services were operating as normal last night and the Dublin Dart and Luas public transport systems were unaffected by weather conditions.

Difficulties on the Dublin to Limerick Bus Éireann route were resolved by last night. And though Bus Éireann services in Cork were severely disrupted, most had resumed by lunchtime. However the West Cork Expressway to Bandon, Clonakilty and Bantry did not run on the advice of gardaí.

Conditions were particularly bad on the Crosshaven to Carrigaline Road, Blarney to Ballincollig Road and several routes around Rochestown and Douglas in Cork city.

In Dublin city, clear main arteries and city centre roads belied dangerous conditions on side roads and in estates, where frozen and compacted snow offered little traction for drivers.

The Chapelizod Gate, Islandbridge Gate and Knockmaroon Gate into the Phoenix Park were all closed due to icy conditions. The Strawberry Beds and Knockmaroon Hill were also impassable.

The majority of Dublin Bus routes were operating as normal last night, though there were curtailments on some routes serving housing estates or on elevated roads. A spokeswoman said conditions had improved on many routes and on those still not entirely accessible buses were stopping at nearby main roads.

Details of the routes curtailed, numbering 28 last night, are available on the Dublin Bus website.

Taxi companies around the State continued to operate.

National Radio Cabs, in Dublin, said that it was reaching most customers but those on higher roads were harder to get to.

Castleknock on the north side of the city and Tallaght and Stepaside on the south side were among the most difficult areas to access. Some housing estates were described as having “roads like glass”.

Taxi firms in Cork, Galway and Limerick reported delays in accessing customers due to reduced speeds on routes, though none said they were unable to access any areas.