No sign of Spring as cold snap intensifies

Snowshowers wreaking havoc across Northern Ireland will stretch into western Connacht over the weekend as the cold snap shows…

Snowshowers wreaking havoc across Northern Ireland will stretch into western Connacht over the weekend as the cold snap shows little sign of thawing.

Met Éireann has warned temperatures will sink below freezing again in Ulster overnight with gale-force winds set to bring showers of sleet or snow.

Motorists as far south as Sligo and Donegal are advised to take care overnight as minor roads and roads on higher ground may be hazardous. A number of schools in the region have been forced to close.

However, most of the country can expect fine, dry and sunny spells over the weekend, although temperatures will remain between 3°C to 5°C with severe frost expected on Saturday and Sunday night.

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Early morning frost has already led to delays on the roads, with conditions still treacherous on the N17 between Milltown and Tuam, although the road has now been gritted.

Earlier the icy conditions affected roads in Mullingar, Athlone and Wexford although conditions have now eased.

Strong winds and heavy frost also led the regional carrier Aer Arann to cancel three flights between Galway and Dublin.

The AA has warned continued gale force winds may result in some delays or cancellations to fast ferry sailings over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Irish Ferries has confirmed normal scheduled sailings will resume tomorrow after hundreds of workers laid off in a cost-cutting measures earlier this week agreed to return to work today.

Dublin commuters will have to rely on extra Dublin Bus services again this weekend, as the normal Dart stoppages between Pearse St and Greystones resume.

CIE said the extra services will be on Dublin Bus routes 7, 45, 46A, 59 and 84.

Finally, improvements on the Rosslare track mean rail services from the port will suffer further disruptions.

The 15.40 Limerick-to-Rosslare Europort will be replaced by a train from Limerick to Limerick Junction and then a bus transfer from Limerick Junction to Rosslare Europort.

The 19.25 Rosslare Europort to Limerick will have bus transfers from Rosslare Europort to Limerick Junction and a train from Limerick Junction to Limerick until further notice.