Motorists warned of icy road conditions

Motorists are being warned to take care this evening due to dangerous road conditions.

Cars moving slowly through snow covered roads on approach to the Ballygawley roundabout in Co Tyrone

AA Roadwatch said icy conditions remain on many roads around the country, particulary in the north west around Sligo town and Co Donegal.

Motorists are strongly advised to reduce their speed and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Icy conditions have also been reported in Mayo and on the N81 between Blessington and Dublin.

Flooding is causing problems around Cork on the Bandon Rd towards the South Ring Road and near Blarney.

Earlier this morning, there were a large number of crashes in the Cork area due to black ice. Gardaí were dealing with crashes on the M8 between Cork and Fermoy and the N25 route linking Cork and Mallow. There are no details of casualties. The N22 Ballincollig bypass on the Cork to Killarney road was closed for safety reasons.

Limerick, Louth, Leitrim, Kildare, Donegal and Meath were be particularly badly hit by the overnight weather.

The Stena Line HSS from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead at 6pm has been cancelled. All intending passengers are advsied to contact Stena Line on 01-2047777 for alternative travel arrangements.

It will be cold and windy tonight, with further showers - a few wintry -, mainly in the west and northwest. Lowest temperatures 0 to 5 degrees, in a strong and gusty westerly wind, with no significant frost.

Tomorrow will be cold and windy with bright or sunny spells and showers - heaviest and most frequent in the west and northwest. Top temperatures between 5 and 9 degrees.