Cold weather continues to cause major 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 Services were withdrawn again at 5pm after inspectors decided it wasn’t safe for buses to continue operating.

Today, bus services are operating from all garages. But Dublin Bus said there were curtailments to services where there are still poor conditions in housing estates and high-level areas.

It said it was closely monitoring weather conditions and urged customers to check its website for updates.

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.

Gardai and AA Roadwatch advised against any unnecessary travel in most areas due to "extremely hazardous conditions".

AA Roadwatch said secondary routes in all areas were treacherous and should be avoided.

It said motorists should bear in mind that not all roads have been gritted.

In Laois, there is severe ice on the M7 in both directions around Portlaoise and it is also very icy on the N8 between Abbeyleix and Portlaoise.

The Mountrath to Clonaslee Road, known locally as the Cut Road is impassable due to snow and ice.

In Westmeath, it is extremely icy on the M6 between Tyrellspass and Rochfortbridge. There are also treacherous conditions on the Sligo to Dublin Road and all off ramps from Ballinalack on the N4 to J8 Kilcock on the M4, AA Roadwatch said.

In Carlow, it is very icy on the N80 Portlaoise to Wexford Road particularly on the outskirts of Carlow town.

In Meath, there are treacherous conditions on the N3 outside Navan and Kells. AA Roadwatch said motorists should avoid the secondary roads around Navan town and all roads around Kells.

Conditions on the N2 between Slane and Ashbourne and on the Ashbourne bypass are also described as very icy.

AA Roadwatch said it was extremely icy on the N11 at the Wicklow Bypass, and urged motorists to use the left lane. It is also treacherous in Wicklow town, in the Wicklow and Sally Gaps and in the Glencree area.