The roads around West Cork are reportedly treacherous this morning, as black ice is covering most roads, including main roads between towns. Backroads are especially lethal and, with cold conditions set to continue for a few days, there may be only a temporary thaw.
We will keep you posted during the day and let us know of any dangerous conditions in your area, by messaging us on our social media channels or emailing [email protected]
It goes without saying that all drivers are being advised to take care on the roads and you should only go out today if it's absolutely necessary. If you absolutely must walk anywhere, use cleats on shoes, or a good makeshift option is thick socks over the soles of your shoes – you may look daft, but you will look a lot dafter – or worse – if you slip and injure yourself.
11.00am
There will be An Post deliveries on Saturday in the worst affected areas
- An Post staff will check in on older customers living alone
Better news today!
- County Kilkenny and Boherbue in north-west county Cork remain by far the worst affected areas with little improvement in snow and ice accumulation.
- As conditions slowly start to improve, An Post is attempting more letter and parcel deliveries wherever it is safe to do so and will make special attempts to deliver on Saturday in the affected areas, wherever resourcing and conditions allow.
- An Post will make a point of checking in on customers living alone or in isolated areas, and will encourage anyone in need of assistance to call ALONE’s national contact number (0818 222 024).
- New ferry sailings to mitigate the impact of the Holyhead disruption have delivered large volumes of international parcels into An Post and we are planning for heavy parcel deliveries tomorrow Saturday and next week.
- Almost all Post Offices are open, though some for reduced hours in some areas. All offices are due to open tomorrow (Saturday) morning as usual
- An Post will keep customers updated at anpost.com
Friday, January 10th
Cork County Council Severe Weather Update – Friday 9.15am
Cork County Council is urging all road users to exercise extreme care, especially in areas with compacted snow, as rain and melting snow will lead to treacherous driving conditions over the coming days.
Drivers are asked to slow down even in places that have thawed as there may be significant damage to road surfaces across the county.
Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this morning to assess the situation.
A Status Yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning remains in place until midday today however lying snow and ice will continue to be an issue in north-west and north Cork.
Frost early overnight, has turned to rain in many areas with black ice being reported in the Mitchelstown area this morning.
The Council will continue to deploy additional resources to clear routes today and throughout the weekend.
The priority is providing access to isolated communities in the worst affected areas and ensuring good access to schools before Monday.
Council crews are being supported by contractors with Cork City Council also providing machinery.
Significant progress has been made in the Mallow, Charleville and Kanturk areas.
In the Millstreet area crews were in operation in the Hollymount, Coolinarna, Ballinagree, Stuake, Ahadallane to Waterloo, Meenachoney and Aghabullogue yesterday.
Today the focus will be in Baurahairin, Knocknakilla, Caherbarnagh, Knocknagowan, Mullenroe and Curragh.
Crews have also been deployed in the Taur area in recent days, one lane has been cleared and treated however driving conditions remain challenging.
The area offices in Newmarket, Kanturk and Charleville will remain closed today.
However, libraries are expected to be open across the county.
Mallow Civic Amenity Site will open at the later time of 11.00am today, Kanturk Civic Amenity Site remains closed.
Cork County Council’s Emergency Line will remain open on 021 4800048 to report issues or request assistance.
1pm:
HSE appointments fully resume on Friday – please only attend if safe to travel
Following review of updated advice from Met Éireann, all HSE appointments scheduled in Cork for Friday, 10th of January will go ahead.
Appointments scheduled for Friday 10th January in Cork hospitals (Cork University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, the South Infirmary – Victoria University Hospital, Mallow General Hospital and Bantry General Hospital) will go ahead as planned, but we are appealing to patients not to travel unless it is absolutely safe to do so.
Appointments will also go ahead on Friday at community facilities in Cork.
However, if you are unable to attend a hospital or community appointment, please contact the local team and you will be offered a new appointment as soon as possible. You will not lose your appointment, so please stay safe at home if travel is risky.
If you or your family are unwell, there are a number of treatment options open to you depending on your illness – being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.
Know your healthcare options if you need medical treatment:
- Self care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with colds and sore throats
- Pharmacy – Ask your pharmacist for advice on common minor illnesses
- GP Surgery – Make an appointment with your GP if you’re feeling unwell
- Local Injury units – For minor injuries, broken bones and burns, you could visit a local injury unit
- Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999
- ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED
In addition, vaccination for target groups remains available. To see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
HSE South West Regional Executive Officer Dr Andy Phillips said:
“I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff, who have been working hard throughout this period of very difficult weather conditions. It is with thanks to them that we can resume all non-urgent and outpatient services throughout Cork again.
We are also extremely grateful to the Defence Forces, and the community and voluntary services that have stood up and have gone to extraordinary measures to ensure our communities are safe and healthy.
Although our services will resume as normal tomorrow, I must ask that people exercise extreme caution when travelling to their appointments. I don’t want anyone taking risks and travelling in poor conditions. If you can’t attend your appointment, do let us know as soon as you can and we will quickly reschedule it for you. Our absolute priority is to keep you and your family safe.”
He added:
“Slips and falls in the icy conditions are also a huge concern. People are falling while de-icing the car, letting the dog out, or bringing in shopping. Please take extra care, but if you need non-urgent medical attention, you will be seen faster at a Minor Injury Unit as our Emergency Departments are under severe pressure at the moment. Your GP may also refer you to our Urgent Virtual Care service (UVC), this is a fantastic new service that can help avoid a visit to the Emergency Department. With the UVC, GPs and Paramedics can consult directly by phone or by video call with a senior medical decision maker in Emergency Medicine or Geriatric Medicine”.
See the HSE’s Public Health advice about staying safe during cold weather at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/environmentandhealth/severeweatherevents/.
09.00am:
Cork County Council Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice Warning Update – Thursday 9.00am
Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this morning as a Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning remains in effect for Cork and as efforts continue to provide access to isolated communities and households.
Significant challenges remain in north and north-west Cork with compacted snow and ice.
Cork County Council is concentrating its efforts on the areas most affected.
Additional resources have been deployed including the Defence Forces and external contractors.
Motorists are advised to take extreme caution on the roads if they need to travel this morning as road surface temperatures have fallen to as low as -8 in parts of County Cork overnight.
The Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning remains in place until 11.00am this morning and will be followed by a Status Yellow warning until midday tomorrow.
There are reports of black ice in places throughout the county even on treated roads.
Particular care is needed with ice at the following locations in West Cork:
- R585 Cousane,
- R585 Coppeen,
- R584 Pass of Ceim an Fhia,
- N71 at tunnels near Glengarrif
- Elevated sections of the N71 between Bantry and Ballydehob.
There was further snowfall in the Ballydesmond area and there are poor conditions on the northern section of the R576 Rockchapel Road, at Lackaroe, Liscarroll and on sections of the R578 Newmarket to Charleville road especially around the Barleyhill area.
While temperatures are forecast to rise over the weekend, the thaw in areas affected by lying snow and ice will be slow.
The Council will continue to respond with additional resources throughout the weekend.
Cork County Council’s Emergency Line remains open on 021 4800048 to report any issues.
Some Council services may have varying opening hours or remain closed today, please contact us before you travel.
The Council website www.corkcoco.ie and social media channels @Corkcoco will have updates on council services such as civic amenity sites, swimming pools and libraries.
5.15pm
The Cork County local coordination group convened this afternoon ahead of a Met Éireann Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning which comes into effect this evening.
The group is made up of senior representatives from Cork County Council, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Defence Forces, ESB Networks and Uisce Éireann.
Extremely cold conditions are forecast overnight with widespread severe frost, ice and lying snow leading to hazardous travelling conditions on roads and underfoot. The Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning will be in place from 6.00pm tonight until 11.00am tomorrow morning. A Status Yellow warning is also in effect until 12.00 noon on Friday the 10th of January.
The Coordination group is urging all road users to take extreme care if they must travel over the coming days and to check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
The agencies have been liaising and working together throughout the extended cold snap. The Group is collaborating on the deployment of resources, planning and organising support interventions, and identifying priority tasks. The work of the many voluntary emergency service providers across the length and breadth of the county is recognised in particular. These voluntary agencies – and their volunteer membership - have been doing phenomenal work in assisting communities in coping with the severe weather conditions.
Conditions remain extremely challenging on many routes in north-west and north Cork where lying snow continues to be an issue. Council crews are continuing to treat priority routes, however, due to the low temperatures, widespread icy patches can be expected even on treated roads.
The ongoing low temperatures means there is a higher risk of slips, trips and falls on icy footpaths and steps. Older people should not venture outdoors in severe weather if possible. It is important that people continue to consider all options and pathways available to them before attending the emergency department, which are always available to treat seriously ill patients - with the sickest patients seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen. If you need care, visit your pharmacy, GP or family doctor, GP Out of Hours, or if it is safe for you to travel, the injury unit in Mallow for non-serious injuries.
ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via its 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice
Cork County Council’s Emergency Line remains open on 021 4800048 to report any issues.
Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on www.corkcoco.ie and across the Council’s social media channels @Corkcoco.
4.35pm
Regarding HSE appointments in Cork city hospitals (Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary – Victoria University Hospital) tomorrow, these will go ahead as planned but they are appealing to patients not to travel to the city unless it is absolutely safe to do so. Appointments will also go ahead on Thursday at community facilities around the city, East Cork and South Cork.
WEDNESDAY 9:20am
Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this morning as a Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning remains in effect for Cork.
The Met Éireann warning for extremely cold weather with widespread severe frost, ice and lying snow remains in place until 10am. A further Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning will come into effect for Cork at 6pm tonight until 11.00am tomorrow morning. A Status Yellow warning also remains in place until 12 noon on Friday the 10th of January.
The Council is urging all road users to take extreme care if they must travel over the coming days. Conditions remain extremely challenging on many routes in north-west and north Cork where lying snow continues to be an issue.
Council crews are continuing to treat priority routes, however, due to the low temperatures, widespread icy patches can be expected even on treated roads.
Diversions remain in place westbound on the R585 in West Cork due to icy conditions. Traffic is advised to divert via the R587 at Shanlaragh to Dunmanway and then via the R586/N71 to Bantry.
If your journey is essential, please slow down, drive with caution, and be aware of other road users. Allow extra time for your journey. If a road has been treated by a gritter or snowplough, do not assume that the road is safe to travel. There may still be underlying snow or ice which would make the road hazardous.
Cork County Council’s Emergency Line remains open on 021 4800048 to report any issues.
Some Council services may have varying opening hours or remain closed today, please contact us before you travel. The Council website www.corkcoco.ie and social media channels @Corkcoco will have updates on council services such as civic amenity sites, swimming pools and libraries.
A full list of priority road treatment routes is available here: https://www.corkcoco.ie/
7pm
Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí will be closed tomorrow Wednesday.
3:50pm
Regarding HSE appointments tomorrow, the HSE says that non-urgent HSE appointments scheduled for Bantry General Hospitals – such as outpatient appointments and other clinical appointments – will not go ahead. This decision was taken in light of additional weather warnings from Met Éireann, including the latest Orange Weather Warning. Appointments at community facilities in North Cork will also be affected. While many appointments will go ahead in Cork city hospitals (ie Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospital), they appeal to patients not to travel unless it is safe to do so. Appointments will also go ahead at community facilities around the city, East Cork and South Cork where it is safe to do so. At Cork University Maternity Hospital, all patients are asked to present for their appointment, again provided it is safe to do so. If it is not safe for you to travel, contact the CUMH on 021-4920500 to reschedule. Staff are making contact with patients to let them know about deferred appointments.
3.43pm
Skibbereen Community School has announced that it will not open tomorrow (Wednesday) due to the forecast. School buses will operate this evening as normal.
3.30pm
The district court office in Clonakilty said this afternoon that the bulk of the cases listed for Macroom District Court tomorrow will be adjourned to Wednesday January 15th in Macroom. There will be an update regarding this week's Bantry court 'as soon as possible' and the Clonakilty office will also be closed tomorrow Wednesday.
3.15pm
Dunmanway MICC will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday, Innishannon Scoil Eoin will remain closed Wednesday & Thursday, Kilbrittain NS will be school closed Wednesday and Thursday, and Bandonbridge will remain closed Wednesday and Thursday.
Newcestown NS, Kinsale Community School, Bandon Grammar, and St Brogan's College will all remain closed for Wednesday at least.
3pm
12.46pm
Cork County Council says that traffic travelling westbound on the R585 is advised to divert via R587 at Shanlaragh to Dunmanway and then via R586/N71 to Bantry.
12.15pm
More updates from Cork County Council:
Reports of ice on N71 Skibbereen to Ballydehob road between Kilcoe and Church Cross. Dunmanway Swimming Pool remains closed today.
Our Civic Amenity Sites in Skibbereen, Derryconnell, Clonakilty, Bandon and Macroom remain closed this morning due to icy conditions on site.
Our Kinsale MD, Dunmanway and Millstreet area offices are currently closed.
Cork County Council says parts of the N71 remain dangerous.
11:34am
Cork County Council says the Severe Weather Warning for low temperatures for Cork issued by Met Éireann has now been extended until 11am on Thursday morning.
The alert says: 'Extremely cold with widespread severe frost, ice and lying snow.Impacts:• Dangerous travelling conditions on roads and underfoot• Travel disruption and delays• Animal welfare issues
- Event: Orange Low Temperature/Ice
- Severity: Orange
- Valid from: Wed. 08/01 @ 6PM
- Valid to: Thu. 09/01 @ 11AM
- Affected Areas: Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Munster, Connacht.'
11.02am
Newcestown village experiencing icy conditions.
11am
Cork County Council says the R585 at Cousane is now passable with care.
10:35am
Cork County Council says: 'Our salters and ploughs were operating throughout the night, however, there are reports of hazardous conditions on roads that were recently treated.'
A salt spreader but Cork County Council says even treated roads are now showing icy conditions. (Photo: Cork County Council)10:30am
Water tanker in Schull: Uisce Eireann says repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Cooper point, Corthna, Bill Barry Road, Gubben, Croaghb Bay, Drinane, Leancon, Derryleary, Castlepoint, Cove, Gunpoint, Beakeen, Ardmanagh, Schull and surrounding areas. Crews are working to restore supply as soon as possible. An alternative water supply is available from 8am today (January 7th) at the Garda Station, Schull. Please boil the water before use. Uisce Éireann makes every effort to ensure that the alternative drinking water supply provided, including the tanker/bowser, and dispensing tap, are adequately disinfected. However, as it is not practical to provide sterilised containers for the public to transport drinking water from the tanker to their homes, we cannot guarantee that any containers used by the public do not negatively impact or contaminate the drinking water. They recommend that you allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for your supply to fully return. Please take note of the following reference number and enter it into the search bar should you wish to return for an update: COR00087242.
10.15am
Met Eireann has just now issued a Level Orange severe weather alert (Low Temps) for Cork. Valid from Tue. 07/01 @ 8PM until Wed. 08/01 @ 10AM, see www.Met.ie
10am
Kealkil National School outside Bantry has announced it will stay closed for the day.
Kealkil NS which will be closed today.
9.20am
Cork County Council is advising people to avoid any unnecessary journeys due to widespread ice and dangerous road conditions across the county.
The Council’s salters and ploughs were operating throughout the night. However, there are reports of hazardous conditions on roads that were recently treated.
The Council’s Crisis Management Team met this morning to assess the situation as Status Yellow Snow-Ice and Low Temperature warnings remain in place for the county.
Met Éireann has also a series of Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warnings for Cork from 8.00pm tonight until 10.00am tomorrow morning and from 6.00pm tomorrow (Wednesday) until 11.00am on Thursday morning.
The potential impacts include dangerous travelling conditions on roads and underfoot, travel disruption and delays and animal welfare issues.
National primary and national secondary routes in Cork are passable with extreme care this morning. However, don’t assume a road is safe even it is has been recently treated.
The majority of priority 3 routes remain untreated and are in very poor condition. A full list of road treatment routes is available here: https://www.corkcoco.ie/sites/
9:15am
A beautiful morning near Caheragh today - but clear skies mean lethal roads in freezing temperatures, so watch out.Back roads between Skibbereen and Caheragh are lethal - please avoid if possible.
9.10am
Met Éireann has issued two status orange low temperature/ice warnings for West Cork, advising that the hazardous conditions will continue throughout the week.
Met Éireann say to expect the conditions to be 'extremely cold with widespread severe frost, ice and lying snow.'
The first warning is in place from Tuesday, January 7th at 8pm until Wednesday, January 8th at 10am.
The subsequent warning comes into effect shortly afterwards - at 6pm Wednesday, January 8th.
It is in place until 11am on Thursday, January 9th.
We will keep you updated all day right here.
8.49am
Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí has announced it will be closed today.
8.48am
Roads around Newcestown are very icy.
8.45am
Skibbereen to Baltimore road is very icy.
8.42am
Roads across West Cork are icy. The Fire Brigade has advised schools to delay opening until 11am.
8:37am
Hill past the Heritage Centre in Skibbereen is very icy.
