Additional stocks of salt brought in for Limerick roads after heavy snow overnight

An additional 200 tonnes of salt has been brought in by Limerick City and County Council to help its efforts to clear roads post Storm Emma.

Met Eireann has updated the weather alert for Limerick as status Orange for snow and ice until 6pm this Saturday.

A sustained ploughing and gritting programme has been ongoing overnight, beginning again at 9am this Saturday morning.

However, heavy accumulations of snow in the south and the west of the county are slowing down efforts to clear regional roads, especially in these areas.

“All national routes in Limerick are clear and passable although motorists are still being urged to drive with extreme caution,” a spokesperson for the Local Co-ordination Group (LCG) made up of Limerick City and County Council, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, said. 

Clearing footpaths #Bruff. Well done all. Great job #StormEmma #BeastFromTheEast @merrionstreet pic.twitter.com/rPXQynzXoO

— Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) March 3, 2018

A combination of ploughing and salting is underway on the strategic regional roads where clean up crews are encountering additional snow accumulations and slush.

A programme of clearing footpaths has also begun in the core Limerick city centre area along with Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Rathkeale, Askeaton, Adare, Kilmallock ,Kilfinane and Bruff and will continue throughout the weekend.

Temperatures are likely to reach +7 degrees today.

“As more and more people begin to leave their homes, pedestrians are reminded to exercise caution when out and about today,” the LCG spokesperson said. 

“Essential services will continue to be provided and the council can be contacted for out of hours emergencies on 061 556000 or 061 417833.”

Civil Defence volunteers are also continuing to assist healthcare professionals to get to and from work and have linked with HSE to provide this service.

Recovery mode will continue for a few days as we catch up with normal work while continuing today tomorrow to respond to those most in need. Please be safe as the thaw brings its own challenges. #WeatherWarning pic.twitter.com/LMg2BbwZ7x

— Mid West Community Healthcare (@CommHealthMW) March 3, 2018

“The Limerick Homeless Action Team (LHAT) is continuing to liaise with the emergency housing providers and additional capacity has been made available to anyone who may seek assistance over the period of severe weather.”

LHAT can be contacted over the weekend on 1800 606060.

For more information, visit www.winterready.ie.