Some of the main roads in Laois remain impassable and treacherous, gardaí have warned.
The latest information from gardaí has stressed the danger to the public as a Red Status warning remains in place.
“Mountmellick to Tullamore is impassable while Portlaoise to Mountmellick is treacherous,” a garda spokersperson outlined.
The N80 road is one of the main routes through the county.
“All primary roads have been treated but drifting is making the roads impassable by car,” the spokesperson said.
The Athy to Stradbally Road and the Portlaoise to Timahoe Road are both closed.
Laois Co Council director of services Kieran Kehoe said cars have got stuck on roads in Laois and are subsequently hampering council efforts.
“In some circumstances we have had to cease salting and ploughing operations because of the road being blocked by abandoned cars. I would reiterate the comments of my colleagues, please do not go out for any uneccessary journeys and only in the case of an emergency should you even contemplate going out,” he said.
Members of the public requiring the assistance of the emergency services are asked to dial 999. The local number for the Severe Weather Communication Centre is 1890837273. Emergency shelter is available on request.
Yesterday, motorway and national routes were treated with drivers urged to take extreme care.
Hazardous
Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures made conditions on all other routes extremely hazardous.
Ploughing / salting /gritting operations ceased early yesterday afternoon and were due to recommence as soon as it is safe to do so.
“The gardaí are again urging people to avoid all unnecessary travel and if you have to go out, ensure you use appropriate transport, bring all necessary equipment with you, let someone know where you are going and a time that you are expected back; that includes farmers going out to check on animals,” a statement from Laois County Council’s Severe Weather Crisis Management Team said.
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