With a thaw not anticipated until Friday (underlined by a forecast to minus six degrees in temperatures tonight, Wednesday), Limerick City and County Council crews “are already overstretched keeping priority routes open and may not be able to facilitate clearance of additional roads/footpaths.”
The Council has stated that the treatment of roads and footpaths is not a guarantee that they are safe, and that caution is advised. “There are 4,000 kilometres of roadway in Limerick and it is not possible to treat every road and pedestrian area,” explained Senior Roads Engineer John Gannon. “We have to prioritise critical and strategic roads, which equate to 500km of the road network. Staff and resources have been stretched to their limit, particularly over the past weekend, keeping these critical roads open for transport. I would urge people to avoid any unnecessary journeys while these severe low temperatures persist.”
Mayor John Moran added: “I am asking everyone to help by not taking risks that could put you or others in danger.”
At the weekend, the N21 between Abbeyfeale and Castleisland became blocked by snow for a period in both directions.
A traffic incident forced the partial closure of the N20 near Charleville on Sunday evening. Several lesser roads proved impossible to drive across many days.
The Arctic snap has left many without power and water. At its peak (during which Limerick was under a Status Orange snow and ice warning), around 10,000 homes, businesses and farms across the county were left without power for parts/all of Saturday/Sunday/Monday.
The ESB Emergency Line is: 1800 372 999.
The harsh weather continues to cause disruption to public transport services, along with issues around animal welfare. Many schools were also unable to open after the festive break.
HSE Mid West is urging members of the public to continue to follow all advice on how to stay well during this cold spell and to check on vulne-rable members of their community.
It also advises to ring ahead re any appoint-ments, as some were cancelled/postponed at the start of the week.

The Emergency Depart-ment at University Hospital Limerick remains open 24/7. Anyone with a less urgent condition should contact the Injury Unit of St. John’s Hospital (061 462 222, V94 H272). Phar-macies, GPs and Shannondoc are other options.
* The full Weather Advisory Guide from Limerick City and Council is carried inside in our news section.