Given hazardous weather conditions in Cork, Kerry, south Tipperary, Laois and parts of the mid-west, the HSE has cancelled some services – including outpatient appointments and day services on Monday.
It comes as a number of schools in those areas have also informed parents of their intention to remain closed on Monday, due to “significant accumulations of snow.”
The snowfall has also sparked major travel disruption across the country as Iarnród Éireann announced a number of “significant delays” to its Cork/Dublin routes.
Elsewhere, some 59,000 homes and businesses across the country are still without power, with Munster counties among the worst affected.
Currently, the counties of Munster and Leinster, as well as counties Cavan and Monaghan are under a status yellow snow/ice warning.
The warning which came into effect at5pm on Sunday, is due to end at midnight.
The whole country is also under a status yellow low temperature/ice warning until noon on Thursday.
Under this warning, Met Éireann is predicting “very cold nights with widespread frost and ice.”
According to the forecaster, temperatures will “struggle to get above freezing during the day.”
Hazardous travelling conditions, icy patches, and travel disruption may occur.
An estimated 59,000 homes, farms and businesses are still without power this evening too.
The counties predominantly affected are Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois and Wicklow, according to the ESB.
The company has also said that “further power outages can be expected.”
ESB crews and contractors have been “deployed since early morning” to assess the damage, make the network safe, and restore supply “in challenging conditions.”
However, the company expects that power restoration in the worst affected areas “will take multiple days” as freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions are “slowing down restoration efforts.”
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Our crews will continue the restoration for as long as possible this evening but, with the difficult conditions, it is likely that the majority of customers will not have their power restored tonight.
“We acknowledge the disruption to family and commercial life this causes and thank impacted customers for their patience as our crews work to safely restore power.”
Elsewhere, Uisce Éireann is also working to restore water supplies to around 15,000 people in Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Dublin.
However, the company has said that a further 33,000 customers are at risk because of high demand and bursts on the network in Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kerry, Wexford, and Dublin.
According to Uisce Éireann, freezing weather conditions, coupled with rain or snow, is “impacting efforts and leading to delays” in repairing leaks.
The company is now asking people to do their bit to help keep taps.
Head of water operations, Margaret Attridge, said: “Our crews are continuing to work to maintain and restore supplies.
“We are urging households, businesses and farmers to protect outside taps and farm troughs and to check for leaks and to turn off water to exterior pipes or unoccupied premises.
“Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating for these areas to come on periodically at a lower temperature.
“This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.”
Margaret added: “Small efforts by everyone can make a big difference, we would ask people to only use what they need and not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on local water supply.”
In terms of travel disruption, Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that a number of rail routes have been affected by the snow and ice conditions.
The Cork/Dublin route in particular is facing “significant delays” as snow and ice is impacting operation of level crossings.
Services currently affected are as follows:
- All Cork/Dublin services in both directions are facing significant delays due to snow/ice affecting the operation of a number of level crossings between Mallow and Charleville
- Tralee/Mallow services are also delayed due to earlier fallen trees and awaiting connections from delayed Cork services
- Limerick/Limerick Junction and Limerick/Ballybrophy (via Nenagh) services are replaced with bus transfers due to weather-related operational issues
According to Iarnród Éireann, all routes will operate, but customers are advised to allow additional time to reach your station in areas affected by snow and icy conditions, and that delays may occur.
“We are working around the network to minimise delays and ensure customers reach their destinations safely,” a spokesperson said.
In addition, Iarnród Éireann has announced that the Nenagh branch rail line services will be suspended on Monday morning, due to weather conditions.
Replacement bus services will also not be possible due to road conditions in the area. The situation will be reviewed by mid-morning.
Customers on routes in all affected areas are advised that there may be some delays dependent on overnight weather.
According to a spokesperson, railway infrastructure teams will “continue to work across key rail routes” in the early hours of the morning to “ensure any issues are identified and resolved prior to first trains.”
Elsewhere, the main runway at Cork Airport has since reopened. It was closed for a period of time this evening with some flights being diverted to Dublin and Shannon.
This was allow teams to clear snow and ice from runways as well as adjoining taxiways.
“Passengers seeking flight information should contact their airline or refer to their airline website/mobile app for the most up-to-date information,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, operations at Dublin Airport are “moving well” following periods of rain and sleet overnight.
De-icing of aircraft has not been required at the airport so far today, but the “threat of snow later this afternoon remains.”
The airport’s snow and ice teams are on site to carry out pre-emptive spraying on the airfield as required.
Heavy snow in the UK is causing some disruption to airline schedules and several UK airports are closed for snow clearing, while others have flow controls in place. This is having an impact on operations at Dublin.
As of 9.30am, seven inbound and seven outbound flights have been cancelled to/from Dublin Airport and the airport has welcomed four diverted flights from UK airports.
A spokesperson for the airport has encouraged passengers seeking updates to “contact their airline directly.”
Shannon Airport is reporting “some delays to departing flights” due to the adverse weather conditions.
The airport is also experiencing a “knock on effect” of delays at UK airports on inbound aircraft.
According to reports, all schools in Fermoy, Co Cork, will remain closed on Monday.
It is also expected that almost all schools in counties Carlow and Kilkenny will also not reopen tomorrow after the Christmas holidays.
The Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training campus will also remain closed.
It has been confirmed that most schools in Kildare will not be opening tomorrow due to the snow, and primary schools in Naas will also be shut.
Earlier today, the Department of Education anticipated that most schools would “open as normal” on Monday morning.
However, a decision to close a school “is a matter for individual school management authorities” around the country, as they are “best placed to do this” in light of local weather conditions.
With some areas affected by severe weather, some schools “may take a decision to close” due to local conditions and safety concerns.
Because school transport services may operate on rural or secondary roads, which may be untreated, this could “result in disruption” during adverse weather conditions.
If a school plans to close or where transport is affected, communications of such decisions will issue locally between schools and parents or transport providers and parents.
The decision to close an early learning and childcare setting also rests with the setting’s management, and higher education institutions will decide on the appropriate weather-related measures to take.
In an update on Sunday evening, the HSE clarified that given hazardous conditions in Cork, Kerry, south Tipperary, Laois and parts of the mid-west, it has cancelled some services in those areas including outpatient appointments and day services on Monday.
It said that, where possible, its teams would make contact directly with those who use our day centre services in disability, mental health or older people to advise them of disruptions, or families can contact their local day service directly to get an update.
HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said: “Where we defer any service it will be rearranged or rescheduled as quickly as possible. We regret any impact this has on our patients and their families however we must do all we can to ensure the safety of those who use our services and our staff. Any cancellations over the coming days are limited to those areas where travel is difficult.
“It is important to say that we are doing all we can to ensure continuity of critical services including ambulance, ED, dialysis, oncology treatment and pre-natal care for expectant mothers.
“We are also taking steps in affected counties to prioritise people living alone and who need home support or community healthcare visits. If you are in any doubt or worried please contact your service, however for the most part, if you haven’t heard from us your appointment or the service you attend is not impacted at this time.
“Finally, despite the extremely difficult conditions in some parts of the country, we would urge anyone requiring urgent emergency care to attend their local emergency department for treatment. As always, our emergency departments provide emergency care to patients 24/ 7.”
The HSE South West said that all non-urgent appointments such as outpatient appointments and other clinical appointments in Cork HSE services are cancelled for Monday.
All non-urgent appointments at CUH, South Infirmary Victoria Hospital; Mercy University Hospital; Bantry Hospital and Mallow Hospital will not go ahead.
The HSE said it will contact all patients with urgent appointments such as dialysis and chemotherapy to make arrangements, while staff will also be in touch to arrange a rescheduled appointment.
“This decision has been made to ensure safety of both patients and staff,” HSE South West Regional Executive Officer Dr Andy Phillips said.
“HSE staff are prioritising service delivery for vulnerable patients and those with acute care needs. Staff are making transport arrangements for patients to get to vital appointments such as dialysis and urgent cancer care appointments.”
Similarly, tomorrow’s outpatients appointments have also been cancelled at Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel.
The hospital has been hit with heavy snowfall, with local contractors seen clearing the path to the emergency department earlier today.
Hospital management says the situation will be kept under daily review, and all appointments will be rescheduled.
Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) has confirmed that while all maternity appointments will proceed as scheduled on Monday, gynaecology appointments at both CUMH and the Lee Clinic are cancelled, and will be rescheduled.
Patients awaiting urgent gynaecology appointments will be contacted directly by the hospital.
Snow ploughs have been deployed across Co Cork as inches of snow has caused chaos for motorists.
According to gardaí, weather and road conditions in Charleville, Mallow and Kanturk are “extremely poor.”
Driving conditions in those areas are hazardous with many roads impassable, and gardaí say that a number of cars have already been abandoned.
“Gardaí would strongly advise members of the public not travel on roads in these areas,” a spokesperson said.
There are also long tail backs on the M8 motorway southbound between the Horse and Jockey and Cashel.
A number of vehicles there are reportedly stuck in the snow.
Elsewhere, the R578 Newmarket to Ballydesmond, and the R577 Ballydesmond to Boherbue, were badly affected on Saturday night, and Cork County Council is advising motorists to “avoid unnecessary journeys” as 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,” a council spokesperson said.
From the early morning, council crews continued to treat priority routes across North Cork including the N20 near Charleville and Dromina.
Cork County Council says its crews have inspected “key high-risk areas and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the period”.
Sandbags and pumping arrangements have also been put in place in certain areas, with flood barriers erected in Fermoy and Mallow as a precautionary measure, the council said.
On Sunday morning, flooding was reported on the R603 between Kilbrittain and Bandon, on the L6477 Maryborough Hill between Maryborough and Hilltown Bridge, on the R599 at Agahamilla, and at the Ring Road/Faxbridge in Clonakilty.
In Co Kerry, the main road, the N22 between Tralee and Killarney is closed in both directions as heavy snow brings the county to a standstill.
There are a number of road closures and cars are becoming stuck in drifts in towns as well as on higher ground.
Oakpark in Tralee is affected as are mountain passes.
The main N22 Killarney to Farranfore and Tralee Road is closed in both directions, due to a jack-knifed truck blocking the road. A number of cars there needed assistance.
Over four inches of snow has fallen on higher ground in Co Kerry and continues to build up.
Passes including the Conor Pass between Tralee and Dingle, and Bealach Oisín are already closed.
Moll’s Gap on the N71 Killarney to Kenmare Road is also expected to close shortly.
“Molls Gap (Kenmare to Killarney) should be avoided and may be closed shortly.
Our advice remains to only drive in Kerry where your journey is strictly necessary,” the council said this lunchtime.
Lower down, treacherous conditions are found at Farmers Bridge to Quills Cross in Tralee and should be avoided.
Roads are being gritted throughout the county, but heavy snowfall means that branches falling under the weight of the snow and other hazards are quickly covered.
More than two thousand homes are also without electricity across the county.
Elsewhere, the N70 Milltown to Tinnahalla Road, which had been closed due to snowfall, reopened earlier this morning.
However, the council said it was still treating roads in other areas, including Farranfore, the L2032 Cordal to Knockaboul, and the R577 at Ballydesmond Bridge.
The N21 Limerick to Kerry road is currently blocked in both directions between Abbeyfeale and Castleisland.
“Our Crews are focussed on these priority roads but snow is still falling heavily and our key message is to not drive at all today unless strictly necessary,” a spokesperson for Kerry County Council told the
Please heed advice to avoid all unnecessary travel in Kerry today while the Orange warning is in place. Even priority roads treated multiple times can deteriorate – example of traffic at a standstill on the Ring of Kerry Road at Mountain Stage has been shared with us. pic.twitter.com/i6kAtU5N9o
— Kerry County Council – Comhairle Contae Chiarraí (@countykerry) January 5, 2025
In Clare, road users have been advised to avoid the R474 Ennis to Miltown Malbay Road, west of Kilmaley village, as well as the R460 Inagh to Miltown Malbay Road, both of which are impassable due to heavy snowfall.
In Limerick, conditions are reportedly difficult on the N21 between Abbeyfeale and Castleisland around the Barnagh Gap, and in and around the Adare. Heavy snowfall has also been reported in Kilmeedy and Ballinderry.
On Sunday morning, Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke to the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group coordinating efforts for the cold snap. The group will meet again later today.
“It is really important people continue to be very vigilant when it comes to road and travel conditions and also that we all look out for people in our community who may be vulnerable or isolated during this period,” Mr Harris said in a statement.
“The very cold weather will continue for much of this week and our teams at national and local level will continue to work hard.
“The impact of snow and sleet and rain freezing in coming hours—and remaining frozen—will need to be closely monitored.”
On Sunday afternoon, the Road Safety Authority issued update travel advice, and warned that, even after the weather warnings currently in place are lifted, roads are likely to “remain treacherous for days due to a dangerous combination of rain, sleet, snow, ice, and extremely low temperatures”.
The RSA said these conditions “pose significant challenges to mitigation efforts such as sanding and gritting, requiring extra vigilance and care from all road users”.
Echoing the advice of several local authorities, the RSA said that it “strongly advises against unnecessary travel, including trips for snow tourism”.
“Staying off the road network unless absolutely essential and/or using safer modes of travel not only reduces your risk and the strain on emergency services but also helps keep roads clear for essential travel,” it said.
- Clear windows and mirrors before setting out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer;
- De-mist the inside of windows thoroughly;
- Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front;
- Use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced. Use fog lights if visibility drops below 100m Turn fog lights off when visibility improves;
- Avoid harsh braking, steering and acceleration;
- Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin;
- Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends;
- When slowing down, use brakes so that the brake lights will warn drivers behind;
- Watch out for black ice especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls;
- If in a slid, try not to panic or jam on brakes. Instead, steer gently into slide – if car is sliding to the right, steer to the right;
- In advance of long journeys, people are advised to check weather/ road conditions along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.
As temperatures fall below zero, Uisce Éireann is reminding people to “protect their water pipes from the freezing weather at home or in their business or farm.”
A spokesperson said: “Check outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises.”
Elsewhere, the public have been advised to check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours, and also to keep phones charged and taken on all journeys.
Farmers have also been advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone.
The DSPCA is urging pet owners to protect their furry friends, as cold temperatures plummet too.
The charity is advising people to keep their pets warm by keeping them indoors, even if they are outdoor pets.
It also recommends wrapping your pet in a coat or jacket to keep them cozy.
