Social media users posted videos and photos of snow falling in Co Donegal, Co Meath, Maynooth in Co Kildare and across Dublin.
AA spokesperson Paddy Comyn urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads. He added that the second energy credit of €200, which excludes VAT, would be paid “during that month” while the Dail is in recess. “I’m receiving reports of elderly people in my constituency who are not turning on the heat in this cold snap,” the Cork North-Central TD said. Concerns have been raised in particular for the welfare of older people who live alone, and for those who are sleeping rough. A snow-ice warning for Dublin and Wicklow was in place until 6am on Friday, while a snow-ice warning will remain in place for Co Donegal until noon on Saturday. The Road Safety Authority warned that road users should be aware of the dangers caused by a drop in temperatures, and should watch out for black ice.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the cold winter weather could put a tightness on the availability of the State's energy supply.
Ladbrokes are now offering odds of 10/11 for there to be snow anywhere in the country on December 25, in from earlier odds of 4/6. However, he said the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and Eirgrid have taken steps to work with high-energy users to manage pressures on the system. The icy weather has seen many flights due to leave Dublin this morning delayed, with knock-on delays likely to continue for the rest of the day. Snowfall was particularly evident in the north and east of the country on Thursday evening and early this morning. The forecaster is warning "sharp to severe frost with icy surfaces" and "hazardous conditions" overall. It has been a snowy start to the morning for some parts of the country, as temperatures dropped as low as -4C last night.
"Generally dry with low winter sunshine, with isolated wintry showers. Frost and ice lingering in unsheltered areas, along with some patches of freezing fog.
Highest temperatures of only 0 to +4 degrees, in light northwesterly breezes." Frost and ice lingering in unsheltered areas, along with some patches of freezing fog. Lowest temperatures of -5 to -1 degrees in light westerly or variable breezes. "A widespread sharp to severe frost will set in tonight along with icy stretches. Met Eireann said: "Very cold, and dry for much of the province today with low winter sunshine. Temperatures not rising above 0 to 4 degrees, in light northwest or variable breezes.
The 'Troll of Trondheim' plunged the country into a big freeze and Met Eireann says the cold weather is likely to continue over the weekend.
Parts of Ireland have been blanketed in snow with forecasters warning that freezing conditions are set to continue. Temperatures dropped well below zero in ...
Parts of Ireland are experiencing snowfall and will continue to over the coming days as the national forecaster confirmed more is expected next week with ...