Cold spell continues to cause widespread disruption

TRANSPORT COMPANIES and local authorities have defended their preparedness for the extended spell of cold weather after snow and ice caused widespread disruption to services on New Year’s Day.

With temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees forecast for last night, further transport disruption is expected today at Dublin airport and on many roads.

Driving conditions are extremely hazardous in many parts of the country, particularly in east Leinster, as snow and ice made roads treacherous. Gardaí and the AA advised against unnecessary journeys in midland, western and eastern counties because of dangerous conditions.

Dublin airport was closed for up to four hours, at least 14 flights were cancelled, early morning transatlantic flights were diverted to Shannon and thousands of air passengers endured lengthy delays yesterday after snow disrupted services.

A Dublin Airport Authority spokeswoman said the airport had suffered heavy snow in four separate showers on new year’s night. Maintenance crews cleaning the runway and apron had successfully dealt with the first three showers but the fourth proved “very challenging” and it was not safe to open the airport until 10.30am.

“This level of snowfall wasn’t expected. The snow was falling quicker than we could clear it,” she said, adding that the airport was geared up “appropriately” for the amount of snow that could be expected in any given year. “There’s no point in investing millions in equipment that airlines wouldn’t pay for and we would hardly ever use.”

However, Met Éireann said its station at Dublin airport recorded just 1cm of snow on the ground.

The level of disruption was lower than normal because it was a bank holiday but today’s flight schedule is busier with many emigrants beginning the journey home after the Christmas holidays. Intending passengers have been advised to check with their airline or its website before leaving home for the airport.

Ryanair questioned the closure of the airport and a spokesman claimed “someone dropped the ball”. “It seems we’re just not able to cope with snow in this country,” he said.

The airline suffered no cancellations but passengers had to cope with delays of up to three hours.

Dublin Bus services failed to operate at all yesterday morning because of the adverse road conditions, while a limited service operated in city centre areas during the afternoon. Services were withdrawn again at 5pm after inspectors decided it wasn’t safe for buses to continue operating.

A spokeswoman for the company said its buses were unable to operate yesterday morning because the roads had not been gritted. They would not go on the roads today either unless gritting took place, but the company had been assured that this would start from 5.30am.

Dublin Lord Mayor Emer Costello said road maintenance crews were working tirelessly to ensure the roads were passable. “This high level of public service will continue,” she added.

Fingal County Council said its gritting crews would be out from 5am today but advised against people leaving home unless it was essential.

Bus Éireann said it was unable to operate intercity and commuter services from Dublin until midday because of the state of the roads in Leinster. Thereafter, most services operated normally. A spokesman advised passengers to check with the company before leaving home.

Northside Dart services in Dublin failed to operate until 11.30am because of a points fault, according to Iarnród Éireann. Services to Maynooth and Sligo were also hit. A spokesman said he was confident full rail services would operate today.