Council issues fresh travel advice in icy conditions
A number of roads across the county have been closed amid the weather conditions. Stock image.
Updated travel advice for Waterford has been issued by Waterford City and County Council, with fresh gritting being applied to all Priority One, Two and Three road networks during this cold snap.
"With temperatures expected to remain below freezing in many parts of the country, travelling conditions will remain challenging," the council said, "Even where roads are gritted, and motorists are advised to exercise caution, slow down, allow extra time for journeys, allow an extra safe distance between you and the vehicle in front, and be mindful of vulnerable road users."
The council has warned that travelling conditions are hazardous, especially on roads not covered by their gritting routes and has warned road users to be cautious of black ice.
While the majority of the roads in the county are open, the R668 (Vee Road) and R669 (Clogheen Road) from Lismore and Cappoquin remain closed.
Pedestrians have been asked to "take care" as footpaths will be slippery due to ice and frost.
Waterford City and County Council has issued a number of key safety messages:
- Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions.
- Road 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; people are advised to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.
- Take extra care while walking as footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice.
- Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
- People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
- 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.
- ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
- 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 for a free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.
- People are advised to conserve water and visit https://www.water.ie for advice.
- The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
- Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
