LIVE weather & transport updates
Thursday, 7 January 2010 10:5110.55: Age Action is urging people who have an unscheduled day off work today to take the opportunity to check in on older people in their community who may be experiencing serious difficulties as a result of the prolonged cold weather.
10.53: The majority of schools in Waterford city and county are closed. Gardaí say main routes have been gritted and traffic is moving.
10.52: Grocers are reporting a rise in demand for salt as home owners try to grit their own driveways.
10.50: Dublin Port remains open and all berths are fully operational. There has been no disruption to arrivals and departures at the port so far today.
10.47: Icy conditions have forced Knock Airport to close for the day, while Sligo and Derry airports are closed for the rest of the morning.
10.45: Defence Minister Willie O'Dea says members of the army may be deployed to help if the cold weather continues. Mr O'Dea is concerned for those elderly people who may be isolated.
He also indicated that the Aer Corps could be used to bring fodder to farmers stranded by the severe weather conditions.
10.40: A Government emergency response committee is to meet this morning to discuss the ongoing problems caused by the cold snap.
The committee is made up of representatives from the departments of transport, environment, health education, the Taoiseach and other agencies.
