‘Thaw will be slow in worst affected areas’: Renewed appeal to county motorists to take extra caution

A renewed appeal has been issued to road users in Cork County to take extra caution as driving conditions in some areas remain hazardous.

Cork County Council’s severe weather assessment team again convened this morning to assess the situation.

“Motorists should be aware that the thaw will be slow in the worst affected areas, leading to treacherous driving conditions, especially on higher elevations,” the council said.

“The volume of snow which had fallen means that there will be compacted snow and mounds on roads and in villages for days to come, making driving hazardous.

“Drivers are urged to slow down, even in areas that have thawed, as there may be significant damage to road surfaces across the county, making driving conditions challenging and unpredictable and care should be taken on all routes.” 

Council crews, supported by the Defence Forces, Cork City Council, and contractors, were in operation in priority sites in North-West, North, and mid Cork yesterday and are continuing their efforts today.

Conditions remain challenging in Rockchapel, Freemount, Meelin, Tullylease, and Liscarroll, with a sustained focus on these and surrounding areas throughout the weekend, the local authority said.

Cork County Council’s emergency line will remain open on 021 4800048 today to report issues or request assistance.

Uisce Éireann appeal:

Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann is reiterating its appeal to the public to report any visible leaks in the public network so that its crews can carry out maintenance and repairs as required.

Uisce Éireann’s head of water operations Margaret Attridge said:

“As the freezing conditions of the past week are replaced by a thaw we are seeing an increase in leaks and bursts on the network.

“Water services crews have been carrying out works throughout the weekend to repair these and ensure we maintain normal supplies to customers.

“Night time restrictions may also be required in some areas to allow reservoir levels to recover.

“We would ask people to remain vigilant over the coming days and report any leaks they see in the public network so that our crews can carry out repairs.

“The public can report leaks or bursts to our customer care team on 1800 278 278.” 

Uisce Éireann has launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues.

Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the text alerts page.