Winter Weather Woes: Road Crews Battle Snow adn Ice Across Ireland
Table of Contents
- 1. Winter Weather Woes: Road Crews Battle Snow adn Ice Across Ireland
- 2. Frontline Efforts in Wicklow
- 3. Donegal’s Icy Roads
- 4. School Closures and Safety Measures
- 5. Winter Weather Disrupts Schools and Travel in Northwest Ireland
- 6. Galway and mayo Take Proactive Measures
- 7. What are the biggest challenges your teams are facing right now?
As freezing temperatures grip Ireland,council workers and contractors are working tirelessly to clear snow and grit roads,ensuring safe passage for residents.In County Wicklow, teams have been battling the elements for days, urging the public to exercise caution when venturing into snow-covered areas.
Frontline Efforts in Wicklow
Paddy Kenny, a seasoned contractor with wicklow County Council, has been clearing snow from the Wicklow Mountains since 1978. This afternoon, he tackled fallen trees and several centimeters of snow in the Trooperstown area. Despite his experience,Kenny acknowledges the challenges posed by the current cold snap. “It’s bad enough. I suppose it’s dragging on a little bit. The frost is a big problem. You clean the roads, but you still have to deal with it afterwards with the grit,” he said.
Brian Gaffney, another key figure in the effort, was spotted gritting roads ahead of what is expected to be the coldest night of the season. During a recent RTÉ News filming session,Gaffney received an urgent call to clear a road for a pregnant woman in need. “It’s an example of the needs we’re meeting every day,” he remarked, highlighting the critical role these workers play during extreme weather.
Kenny also emphasized the unpredictability of mountain roads. “Every road is different. The priority is to get people out safely. Some areas are treacherous, especially in the hills. Snow always falls heavier here, and conditions change daily.” He urged the public to avoid needless trips to mountainous regions,warning,”People can be very silly. When they see a road open, they think they can drive fast, but that’s not the case. They get stuck, and then Mountain Rescue or we have to help them, which isn’t fair. Just be sensible and stay away from dangerous areas.”
Donegal’s Icy Roads
In Donegal, road temperatures have plummeted to -4°C in some areas, creating hazardous driving conditions. Bryan Cannon, Director of Roads and Transportation for Donegal County Council, advised motorists to remain cautious. ”Road surface temperatures are ofen lower than the air temperature shown on your car’s display,” he explained. Over 1,140 kilometers of public roads across 21 designated routes have been gritted daily, but Cannon warned that even treated roads can be dangerous. “Assume no road is ice-free, even if it’s been gritted. Local conditions can lead to ice patches forming,” he said.
The wintry conditions are expected to persist until Friday, with freezing fog and additional snow showers forecasted. Cannon noted, “Wintry showers this evening will freeze on contact with cold road surfaces, and freezing fog will add another layer of danger for drivers.” To assist residents, council crews have replenished local grit stockpiles for use on untreated roads.
School Closures and Safety Measures
The freezing weather has also disrupted education, with dozens of schools in Longford and Mullingar closing their doors.Many made the decision to shut down last night,prioritizing the safety of students and staff. As temperatures remain dangerously low, authorities continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to the public.
This winter weather serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and caution. Whether you’re driving, walking, or simply staying indoors, staying informed and making safe choices can make all the difference during these challenging times.
Winter Weather Disrupts Schools and Travel in Northwest Ireland
Freezing temperatures and icy conditions have caused meaningful disruptions across northwest Ireland, leading to school closures, delayed openings, and travel challenges. Parents in counties Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo were notified early this morning about the closures, while others received updates overnight.
In Donegal, numerous schools, including pre-schools, national schools, and post-primary institutions, have shut their doors. Affected areas include Raphoe, Letterkenny, buncrana, Drumkeen, Kilmacrennan, Glenswilly, Ballindrait, ramelton, moville, Carndonagh, Maghery, Drumfries, and Milford. Similarly, schools in Co Leitrim, such as those in Manorhamilton, Drumkeerin, Drumshanbo, Dromahair, Mohill, and Carrick-on-Shannon, have also closed. In Sligo, closures have been reported in Riverstown and Ballymote.
Travel has been equally impacted, with TFI Local Link services operating under delays. Some routes have been suspended in areas where road conditions are particularly hazardous. Additionally, door-to-door transport services for HSE day service users and Local Link Demand Responsive Services in Sligo and Leitrim have been canceled for today and tomorrow due to unsafe conditions.
local authorities have been working tirelessly since early morning to treat main roads, but reports of black ice and treacherous conditions on rural routes persist. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, especially on untreated surfaces and higher ground.
Galway and mayo Take Proactive Measures
In Galway and Mayo, local councils have ramped up efforts to combat the freezing conditions. Crews worked through the night to spread grit on national primary routes,considerably reducing the impact of low road temperatures.The ‘salt spread rate’ was doubled in anticipation of temperatures dropping below minus two degrees Celsius, a key part of Galway City Council’s Winter Service Plan.
While main roads remain largely unaffected,gardaí have warned drivers to be cautious on back roads,particularly those at higher elevations where icy patches are more likely. Schools in these counties are mostly open, though many have delayed start times to accommodate potential transport delays caused by the weather.
Severe Weather Assessment Teams are closely monitoring the situation, with cold temperatures expected to persist throughout the week. In response, COPE Galway has extended its cold weather initiative to provide additional support for the homeless. The charity’s Westside day center is now open during daytime hours, offering shelter beyond its usual nighttime operations.
As communities brace for continued cold weather, local authorities and organizations are working together to minimize disruptions and ensure safety. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions and school closures, and to take extra precautions when traveling.
What are the biggest challenges your teams are facing right now?
Interview with Bryan Cannon, Director of Roads and Transportation for Donegal County Council
archyde News Editor (ANE): Good afternoon, Mr. Cannon. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The recent winter weather has caused notable disruptions across Ireland, notably in Donegal. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?
Bryan Cannon (BC): Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The situation in Donegal is indeed challenging. We’ve been experiencing freezing temperatures, with road surface temperatures dropping as low as -4°C in some areas. This has led to icy and hazardous driving conditions. Our teams have been working around the clock to grit over 1,140 kilometers of public roads across 21 designated routes daily. However, even with these efforts, we’re urging motorists to exercise extreme caution.
ANE: What are the biggest challenges your teams are facing right now?
BC: The biggest challenge is the unpredictability of the weather. Even after we grit the roads, freezing fog and additional snow showers can quickly create new hazards. The frost is particularly problematic because it can form ice patches on treated roads, making them slippery again. Additionally, the mountainous regions in Donegal are especially treacherous, as snow tends to fall heavier there, and conditions can change rapidly.
ANE: You mentioned that even treated roads can be risky. What advice do you have for drivers during this time?
BC: My primary advice is to assume that no road is entirely ice-free, even if it’s been gritted. Local conditions, such as shaded areas or dips in the road, can lead to ice patches forming. Drivers should reduce their speed, increase their following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers. It’s also crucial to check weather and road condition updates before setting out. If the journey isn’t essential, it’s best to stay home.
ANE: The freezing weather has also led to school closures in Donegal and other parts of the northwest. How are these decisions made, and what role does your department play in them?
BC: School closures are typically decided by the individual schools or the Department of Education, but we play a supporting role by providing up-to-date information on road conditions. Our priority is always safety, and if roads are too dangerous for buses or parents to travel, schools may decide to close. We’ve been in close communication with schools and local authorities to ensure they have the information they need to make these decisions.
ANE: Your teams have been working tirelessly to keep roads safe. Can you share any stories that highlight the dedication of your crew?
BC: Absolutely. Just yesterday, one of our gritting teams received an urgent call to clear a road for a pregnant woman who needed to get to the hospital. They dropped everything and got the road cleared in record time. It’s moments like these that remind us how critical our work is. Our crews are out there in freezing conditions, often working through the night, to ensure that people can travel safely. Their dedication is truly commendable.
ANE: That’s unbelievable. What message would you like to share with the public as this cold snap continues?
BC: My message is simple: please stay safe and be prepared. Check the weather forecast,plan your journeys carefully,and avoid unnecessary travel,especially to mountainous or remote areas. If you do need to go out, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready, with proper tires, antifreeze, and an emergency kit. And remember, even if a road looks clear, it coudl still be icy. Patience and caution are key during these challenging conditions.
ANE: Thank you, Mr. Cannon, for your insights and for the hard work of your teams. We wish you and your crews the best as you continue to tackle these winter weather challenges.
BC: Thank you. Stay safe, everyone.
