STORM UPDATE: Council clearing roads near Clonakilty; water issues in Crookhaven

CORK County Council has sent in the following update on road conditions in the aftermath of Storm Emma:

'Cork has experienced snow falls which had not been seen in over 30 years.  Cork County Council continues to deal with the effects of this snow and ice.  Road crews continued operating across all areas yesterday with all with the vast majority of roads now passable, although traffic width restrictions remain on some roads.

We are aware of some issues in areas affected by snow drifts and are dealing with requests to clear these as they are made known and also difficulties on some roads in higher areas.  In particular Council crews are attending to the Taur road in Newmarket, some local roads in Cloyne and some rural elevated areas to the east of Clonakilty and in the Goggins Hill area.  These roads are expected to be made clear today.

We continue to ask members of the public to exercise caution and never assume that a road is safe.  While the thaw continues we also ask motorists to be aware that road surfaces may have hidden potholes due to the impact of this prolonged period of cold weather.

Due to issues associated with Storm Emma and an increased demand on water supplies, a number of areas of Cork are currently experiencing disruptions to their water supply.  Irish Water is working with Cork County Council to fix leaks and carry out any other necessary repairs as weather conditions improve. 

There is a disruption to supplies in Youghal, Crookhaven, Freemount and Roberts Cove. Customers experiencing water outages should contact Irish Water on 1850 278278  or consult the Irish Water website www.water.ie  for the most up to date information.

Barriers were erected on Flood Relief Schemes in Mallow and Fermoy as a precautionary measure.  Levels in the River Blackwater and River Bandon remain stable.  However, the Council is monitoring this situation.  Cork County Council continues to ask members of the public and farming community to stay away from rivers and watercourses for the coming days as the thaw continues.

The Council's 24 hour emergency line on 021 4800048 remains open.

Cork County Council services and affiliated amenities are open.  Branch libraries remain closed, on today Monday, as per standard arrangement.  Local arrangements are in place with regard to civic amenities sites and members of the public are advised to phone 021 4800048 to check before they travel.'