New cold snap turns roads icy for drivers

Icy roads in many parts of the country are causing problems for motorists this morning.

In Galway frosty conditions are reported in Tuam, Mountbellew and Athenry while in Longford the N4 and N5 routes are described as hazardous.

The N17 Charlestown to Collooney road in Co Mayo is very icy and back roads are described as treacherous.

In Co Meath caution is required on the N2 and traffic is very slow all the way in from Kells and Dunshaughlin because of very icy patches on the main N3. Care is also advised near Slane.

In Co Roscommon the N5 at Ballaghaderreen is dangerous and extreme care needed because of icy stretches.

In Co Sligo the Sligo to Ballina road is particularly bad while in Co Tipperary icy roads and an accident on N7 has rendered the route treacherous. Routes between Moneygaul and Toomevara are described as particularly bad.

On the Longford side of Mullingar the N4 has seen cars and trucks getting stuck on the hill at the Covert Pub in Mullingar due to heavy ice and the N6 around Athlone is also described as dangerous.

In Co Wexford there is black ice on the N30 at Enniscorthy and the freezing conditions have resulted in two accidents west of Wicklow on the Baltinglass to Blessington road.