Tipp road conditions have deteriorated

Road conditions across Tipperary have deteriorated significantly in the past number of hours due to further snowfalls. Driving conditions are extremely challenging across large areas of the county. Additionally the snowfall has given rise to a significant number of fallen trees making roads impassable.

Council salting crews have been active since 7.30am on Saturday morning with routes being treated on an ongoing basis. Despite this a number of the salted routes have been periodically impassable or are currently impassable – this is an ongoing and changing situation. Salting crews will continue to operate overnight.

Presently the N76 at Ninemilehouse is impassable and will likely remain impassable overnight.

In addition to council salting crews, local council crews and Tipperary Fire & Rescue service have mobilised in a number of areas to clear local routes and provide assistance to the public where possible.

Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop further and the freezing temperatures will give rise to further deteriorating road conditions overnight, tomorrow morning and well into tomorrow and beyond.

Tipperary County Council would like to stress to the public that road conditions will remain extremely challenging tomorrow and well into next week with a sharp cold snap forecast.

Key Public Safety Messages:

•Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.

•Drivers travelling longer journeys are advised to be aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.

•Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so I’d advise people to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.

•Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice

•Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours

•Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112

•People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.

•Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.

•Tipperary County Council out of hours emergency contact number 0818 06 5003 for roads and housing (emergency electrical and plumbing issue only)

•ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitorwww.PowerCheck.ie.

•Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - seewww.water.ie.

•People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice