Untreated roads are treacherous as motorists urged to drive with extreme caution on all Limerick roads

Crews from Limerick City and County Council have been out working since 7 o’clock this morning (Fri 02 March) dealing with the snow which fell overnight.

- RED Weather Alert remains in place until 6pm

- Joint Statement from Limerick City and County Council, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces

All of Limerick saw at least 5cms (2 inches) of snow, with up to 20 cms (8 inches) in areas including Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine, Abbeyfeale, Ballyhahill, Rooska, Carrigkerry and Glin.

Crews began snow ploughing the strategic routes across Limerick city and county at 7am this morning and will continue to plough and grit throughout the day, weather conditions dependent.

Further gritting will take place overnight as temperatures are expected to drop to minus 3 degrees.

Limerick City and County Council is urging motorists and all other road users to exercise extreme caution when going outside.

Untreated roads are likely to see an accumulation of snow and this could lead to extremely treacherous conditions.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution also on the roads that have been treated as conditions are worsening throughout the day as snow continues to fall.

A Met Éireann RED weather alert for snow and ice for Limerick remains in place until 6pm this evening (Fri 02 Mar).

Limerick City and County Council Offices, including libraries, museums and galleries remain closed until Monday 05 March at 9am. The People's Park, Clare St Park, Shelbourne Park, Mungret Park and Castletroy Park are closed until on Saturday 03 March, weather permitting.

Essential services will continue to be provided and the council can be contacted on 061 556000 or for out of hours emergencies on 061 417833.

For any water issues, e.g. leaks, loss of water, dirty water, sewage issues, please contact Irish Water on 1850 278 278 or check their website www.water.ie.

All routine Community Healthcare and Hospital services across Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary are deferred today. Only the most essential homecare and community nursing services are being prioritised for delivery to older people and people with disabilities from this evening. Specialised services for complex paediatrics at home are continuing.

UL Hospitals have also restricted services to essential and emergency for the Red alert period and have made contact with people for whom special arrangements and continuity of service needs to be maintained. Anyone who has an appointment scheduled at a UL Hospital site and is in doubt can contact the relevant hospital.

Retained firefighters across Limerick are on standby as are their fulltime colleagues based in Mulgrave Street base to help in emergencies.

Limerick Civil Defence have helped in transporting staff to hospitals and remain on standby to offer assistance.

Gardaí are advising people to exercise caution when venturing outside, as the roads are dangerous.

The public office of the Limerick Homeless Action Team (LHAT) in John’s Square will remain open as normal today.

The Limerick Homeless Action Team can be contacted on 061 481212 normal business hours or the out of hours number is 1800 606060.

LHAT is continuing to liaise with the emergency housing providers and additional capacity has been made available to anyone who may seek assistance over the period of severe weather.

For more information about being prepared for adverse weather conditions, visit www.winterready.ie.

The Local Co-ordination Group is part of #LKWorkingTogether, Limerick’s public services working together.

See More