'It will take a good bit of time before things go back to normal', says Cork TD as Defence Forces deployed to help clear worst affected areas

A thaw is ready to set on Friday, but officials have warned that it may be slow to melt compacted snow in North-West Cork.

On Thursday, the Defence Forces and external contractors were deployed to help Cork County Council clear the worst affected areas.

A local TD has also said that damage to roads and pipes, as a result of the extreme weather, may take some time to repair.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Michael Moynihan told The Echo: “It’s unprecedented weather. Not in living memory have we seen this volume of snow. Some people still haven’t gotten out of their homes yet, they’re still blocked in by snow.”

Mr Moynihan paid tribute to the council, civil defence groups, gardaí, and community groups for all they have done over the last few days, adding: “The army has cleared some of the roads, which is a huge improvement, and we have seen a fantastic human endeavour for people to lose their neighbours.

“Please God, we’ll never lose that camaraderie in our society that has seen so many people contact the vulnerable, make sure they’re okay, and try to reach them with food and supplies.”

He added: “The volume of snow that has fallen is so heavy, we are talking about a thaw now. But in my opinion, it will take a good bit of time before things go back to normal.

“Then, there will likely be problems after that too. Road conditions and pipes could be damaged, so there might be a lot more work to be done over the next couple of weeks.”

An Garda Síochána advised that over 72 hours this week, while roads across the country have experienced freezing temperatures, 375 drivers nationally have been detected for speeding in excess of the posted speed limit.

Chief superintendent Jane Humphries said: “The disregard for speed limits and safe speeds by a small number of drivers is irresponsible and dangerous — not just for their own safety, but for the safety of the many workers who are busy keeping our roads open for essential use in this excessive cold spell and other road users who are supporting road safety.”

A status yellow low temperature warning remains in place for Cork until midday today, and Cork County Council has warned “temperatures will be slow to rise, which means that lying snow and ice will continue to be an issue in parts of the county for several days.”

The council’s crisis management team convened on Thursday afternoon after focusing on clearing priority routes and ensuring access for essential services — such as electricity, water, and emergency services — working closely with the HSE, ESB Networks and Uisce Éireann. It is now concentrating its efforts on providing access to isolated communities and households, and has deployed additional resources, moving machinery and crews from across the county.