Thursday's Travel and Weather Updates

• Dublin Airport - flights cancelled until 5am
• Aer Lingus cancels all Dublin departures after 4pm
• All rail routes operating
• Delays/disruption to Bus Éireann services
• Bus Éireann to provide services on Christmas Day
• Curtailments/diversions on Dublin Bus
• Nitelink services will not operate in Dublin tonight
• Full Luas services

2307 That's all for tonight folks. Stay safe and warm.

2244 The DAA has posted on Twitter:

'Our snow team will continue to work through the night. We apologise for the impact that the unprecedented weather has had on operations.

'Safety is Dublin Airport's key priority and we have to ensure that aircraft can operate safely before resuming flight operations.'

2236 The DAA has issued the following statement:

'Flight operations were suspended at Dublin Airport from 18.30 as a result of heavy snowfalls. Snow continued to fall persistently for the following three hours.

'Our snow and ice crew are working to clear the runway, taxiway and apron area in time for the first wave of flight arrival and departures tomorrow morning - subject to favourable weather conditions.

'Passengers planning to travel tomorrow are advised to contact their airline or airline's website BEFORE coming to the airport.

'With over 600 acres of runway, taxiway and apron area to clear one inch of snow over the airfield equates to more than 15,000 tons of snow to be removed.'

2233 Dublin Airport will be closed until 5am tomorrow morning due to heavy snowfall.

2229 A final reminder that you can view a gallery of your weather photos from today here.

2220 Aer Arann flights RE230, RE232 and RE231 have also been cancelled tomorrow.

2151 Aer Arann has said the following flights scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled: RE220, RE211, RE202, RE212, RE282, RE281, RE227, RE217 and RE218.

2100 AA Roadwatch is advising that particular care needed in Dublin city centre on Cork St, Camden St & Parkgate St. The South Quays are also very slippery.

There is also extremely heavy snow reported around Tallaght and visibility is very poor. Traffic is slow but moving on N81 through Tallaght.

2051 Many passengers at Dublin Airport tonight described scenes of chaos and complained that airlines were not giving them sufficient information about delayed or cancelled flights.

One senior aviation source said that airlines could do much more to help passengers by providing more frontline staff at the various airport desks.

2039 The DAA has confirmed that 270 flights and approximately 40,000 passengers have been affected by the closures at Dublin Airport today.

2028 AA Roadwatch has said gardaí are advising motorists to avoid the Swords area in Co Dublin. Conditions are hazardous and snow is falling.

2025 You can view today's gallery of your photos here. As always, there were far more images sent in than we could put up, but thanks to everyone who contributed.

2020 AA Roadwatch Twitter Update: 'ROSCOMMON Freezing fog and icy conditions countywide. Use your fog lights in affected areas.'

2005 Passengers on an Aer Lingus flight from Hamburg will be put up for the night at the airline's expense. However, many of the passengers have already left the airport.

1919 Dublin Bus has said its Nitelink services will now not operate tonight due to deteriorating and icy road conditions across the city.

1855 Dublin Airport has suspended flights until at least 11pm tonight because of heavy snowfall on the runway.

1845 Gardaí say that driving conditions are 'very hazardous on the M1 Northbound & Southbound near the Services area at Balbriggan Co Dublin'.

A number of minor collisions have occurred and visibility is extremely bad due to the adverse weather conditions.

1835 Flights have been suspended at Dublin Airport for another hour this evening because of the heavy snow showers this afternoon.

Siobhan Moore of the Dublin Airport Authority said that friction tests showed that the braking action of aircraft had been compromised.

Dublin Airport on Twitter: For safety reasons flight operations were suspended at 18.28 to allow for snow clearance on the runway.

1755 AA Roadwatch has said traffic has eased in and out of Letterkenny town, but there still some delays.

1753 There are approximately 25-minute delays on southbound DARTs, due to snow clearing from points.

1733 Iarnród Éireann has tweeted that trains are running on all routes, with delays. Delays departing Heuston are easing to 5-30 minutes. The delays at Connolly are 10-30 minutes.

1726 AA Roadwatch has said traffic is very heavy on the M1 northbound from M1/M50 Interchange to J4 Lissenhall where it's very icy. Heavy snowfall is reported in the area also.

1700 Dublin Bus has said it will operate Airlink Services on Christmas Day, if Dublin Airport remains open.

1648 Aer Lingus has cancelled all flights due to leave Dublin Airport after 4pm today.

A statement from the company said:

'Aer Lingus has confirmed that the lengthy closure of the runway at Dublin airport has had a knock on effect to their flight operations, from Dublin airport, for the remainder of the day.

'This has left the airline with no choice but to cancel all departing flights from Dublin with a scheduled departure time after 16:00.

'Inbound flights are currently still arriving into Dublin airport.

'Aer Lingus flights to and from Shannon, Cork and Belfast airports are operating.

'We sincerely regret the inconvenience and distress that this disruption causes our customers. We are doing everything possible to get our customers home for Christmas.

'We are constantly updating our flight status information on our website. Customers are requested to visit aerlingus.com for the most up to date information on their flight status.

'Aer Lingus has activated a change for free and refund request facility on aerlingus.com for affected customers.

'We will endeavour to operate a full schedule tomorrow, 24 December, weather permitting.'

1645 RTÉ's Ray Kennedy reports that it is snowing again at Dublin Airport. The runway remains open for now.

1625 Met Éireann have released an image of a snow-covered Ireland yesterday.

(RTÉ.ie is not responsible for content published on external websites)

1618 Dublin Bus says it will operate a full service tonight, as well as its Nitelink services. It also plans to run a full service tomorrow, but admitted that it was dependent on the weather.

1612 Limerick County Council has issued boil notices for water supplies in Newcastlewest, Abbeyfeale, and Kilmallock as the cold weather is freezing resevoirs and affecting the quality of water supplies.

1610 In response to earlier criticism from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin City Manager John Tierney said: 'Our staff have been working day and night, in atrocious weather conditions, to keep the city open for business.'

1606 Wicklow County Council says it is continuing to treat the National road network and most of the Regional road network.

1605 Offaly County Council said that its water supplies are fully operational.

1600 Iarnród Éireann says there are delays of between 10-30 minutes on DART & Commuter services.

There are 30-60 delays on Dublin/Cork services, up to 60 minutes on Dublin/Belfast and 45 minutes on Dublin/Rosslare.

1550 Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council says there will be no water shut-offs until 28 December.

1545 Iarnród Éireann Twitter update: 'Ezios chipper on Amiens St opp Connolly spreading salt on footpath: waiting for them to douse it with vinegar too, & a load of garlic sauce.' Any chance of a batter burger and chips?

1535 Leitrim County Council says that roads throughout county remain in a dangerous condition. 'Gritting operations on Priority 1 and 2 roads remain ongoing.'

1512 Iarnród Éireann staff have been giving out chocolates to passengers queuing at Hueston Station. Now isn't that sweet (no pun intended...)

1503 RailUsersIe on Twitter: More snow and lots of it in Dublin. DART suspended Malahide - Howth Junc. Delays on services, worst on longer distance services. Delays of 45 minutes on Dublin Cork services.

1500 buseireanndeals on Twitter: Xmas Day services to/from Dublin Airport & Busaras to destinations inc Limk, Belf, Cork, Gal, Rossl, Ballina & Donegal.

1455 As if things weren't bad enough, there are reports coming in of thunder and lightning in parts of Dublin this afternoon.

1453 P&O Ferries has said that its final sailing before Christmas, at 2130 tonight from Dublin, is on schedule. There are currently motorist spaces available.

1450 Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has announced today that 134 prisoners will be granted varying periods of temporary release this Christmas under the Criminal Justice Act 1960.

1448 IrishRail on Twitter: More snow! Of a wetter Irish variety than the fine powdery Arctic stuff of late - all trains operating, expect delays & busy trains.

1440 RTÉ's Ray Kennedy says 'there is heavy snowfall once again at Dublin Airport and reduced visibility. The runway is open for now'.

1410 Fancy a flutter? Well it'll be Tuesday before you can have a punt on the nags in Leopardstown as officials have cancelled next Monday's race meeting, just 24 hours after the St Stephen's Day card was abandoned.

Ground staff remain hopeful that racing will go ahead next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

1404 Hail to the bus driver, bus driver, bus driver.... Bus Éireann is to provide intercity services on Christmas Day.

Services will operate to and from Limerick, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Rosslare Harbour, Ballina, Sligo, Waterford, Letterkenny, Donegal, Clonmel, and Derry. All services will operate via the main towns.

Some airlines may fly on Christmas Day to accomodate delayed passengers.

1351 aaroadwatch on Twitter: Christmas exodus from Dublin has begun! Heavy delays on the M4 outbound (truck blocking lanes at J4a) heavy on N7 also.

I'll be joining that exodus tomorrow. In fact, this time tomorrow I hope I'm at least outside the Pale. That's if the boss lets me go. It might be like that Meteor ad.

1330 The Magners League rugby match between Connacht and Munster has been moved from Sunday 26 December to Monday 27 December.

Connacht Rugby said: 'The move was necessary as to allow maximum time for the pitch to thaw out following a night of heavy frost and freezing temperatures at the Sportsground.'

1308 DublinAirport on Twitter: Flight operations resumed at 13.00.

1255 aaroadwatch on Twitter: The N5 has reopened at Tulsk following the removal of a truck.

1240 AerArann on Twitter: Flight RE206 Donegal to Dublin (Dec 23) is delayed. The new expected departure time is 18:40. Please note the checkin desk closes at 17:40.

1237 Some advice from Cork City Council on the prevention of frozen pipes and stopcocks:

· Leave heating on longer than normal

· Open attic trap door to allow heat in

· Leave a light on in the attic

· Place a piece of insulation e.g. carpet/matting over your external stopcock

· Wrap a towel around an outside tap

1234 Ireland West Airport, or Knock, as I always call it, remains open but all flights are delayed due to airport closures elsewhere. The 1pm flight from Stansted is running half an hour late; the 11am flight from Luton is now scheduled to arrive at 5pm. And a flight from Las Palmas to Dublin has been diverted to Knock.

1229 IrishRail on Twitter: Delays currently approx 60 mins in both directions on Dublin/Belfast line.

1228 AerArann on Twitter: The following flights have also been cancelled today (Dec 23) RE236, RE287, RE288, RE239.

1224 EnterpriseTrain on Twitter: 1100 Connolly to Belfast is 70 mins delayed.

1223 In case anyone's interested, Rafael Benitez's sacking as Inter Milan coach is official...

Ever since he grew that beard things have gone down hill for him.

1221 IrishRail on Twitter: Met Eireann: in all weather stations, lowest avg temps on record for December: some areas records go back to mid-19th century.

1218 aaroadwatch on Twitter: WATERFORD: Hazardous conditions around Tramore; in particular on the Glen Rd and Racecourse Rd.

1213 I just got a call from my mother in the west. Here’s how the conversation went:

My mother: 'When are you coming home?'
Me: 'Tomorrow.'
My mother: 'What time?'
Me: 'I'm not sure yet.'
My mother: 'How are you coming home?'
Me: 'I'm not really sure yet, to be honest. Maybe driving, maybe on the train.'
My mother: 'Well whatever way you travel just be careful and your father and I are looking forward to having you home.'

Don't you just love mothers.

1205 Latest weather forecast:

It will continue to be extremely cold with patches of freezing fog. There will be further snow showers over Leinster and east Muster, these heavy at times. But it will be dry and bright with sunny spells elsewhere. Top temperatures 0 to -6 degrees in light northerly winds.

Tonight will be mainly dry and clear with little or no wind and freezing fog returning. There will be just the isolated snow showers along the east coast. It will be extreme cold with temperatures generally between -6 and -12 degrees, but lower over snow fields.

Tomorrow will be mostly dry with good sunny spells and just the odd snow shower over the northeast. It will be very cold with top temperatures between +1 and -5 degrees and freezing fog persisting in places.

1159 Stranded abroad due to closure of Dublin Airport? Stuck at Heathrow? Send your videos to mobilenews@rte.ie

1151 AerArann on Twitter: RE233, RE234, RE227, RE217 and RE218 have been cancelled today, Dec 23. We'll have some good news soon, promise!

Some good news? Don't you just love optimists...

1145 Update from Donegal County Council:

Donegal County Council's present stock of pure salt is 250 tonnes and an additional 200 tonnes of salt/grit mix. 1,050 tonnes is either being collected or delivered to the Winter Maintenance Salt Depots throughout Donegal over the next three days.

We are not expecting any further deliveries of salt until the New Year. We are assured that subsequent deliveries of salt will be made by the 4th January, 2011, at the latest.

Given the current and predicted salt delivery, Donegal County Council has extended the "Red Route" to cover the entire National Secondary Route (N.56).

This increases the length of salted roads in Donegal by 30% (from 365kms to 477kms) and reduces the "green route" (or sanded route) from 672kms to 560kms.

Drivers are urged not to assume that roads are ice-free even where they have been salted or gritted.

1114 aaroadwatch on Twitter: The N11 is down to one lane in parts between Rathnew and Ashford. Drive with extreme care.

Extremely poor conditions on the N16 between Sligo and Manorhamilton, also poor on the N4 Sligo/ Carrick On Shannon Rd.

1112 Bord Gáis Networks would like to remind customers to ensure their fuel burning appliances are functioning normally to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide.

No matter how cold it is, DO NOT block vents. Without working vents, there can be a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home which can be potentially fatal.

Stop using any fuel burning appliance immediately if you suspect it might be faulty. Unblock any vents that you might have covered over. If you find a person ill or unconscious and suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area immediately by opening doors and windows and get medical assistance.

1056 IrishRail on Twitter: Clearing renewed snowfall from points at Connolly - some delays resulting.

1048 Irish Ferries says all four sailings into Ireland on the Holyhead/Dublin route are almost full. Limited space available on Pembroke/Rosslare route.

1046 The Dublin Airport Authority says 100 flights are affected by the shutdown, equating to 15,000 people.

1032 RailUsersIe on Twitter: Irish Rail has released extra seats to book online on intercity routes. Website slow, may take several attempts to enter reservation system.

1029 ESB Public Safety Notice:

With school Christmas holidays starting, ESB wish to bring to the attention of the public, and particularly parents, the serious hazards currently presented by frozen water surfaces at ESB reservoirs in Poulaphouca & Blessington in Co Wicklow, Iniscarra & Carrigadrohid in Co Cork, the headrace & tailrace at Ardnacrusha in Co Clare and along the shore line of Lough Allen, Derg, & Ree on the River Shannon.

The surface ice is very thin in places and not necessarily supported by the water beneath as water levels in the reservoirs and lakes vary for operational reasons.

ESB would like to advise the public that any access such as walking, skating and the use of any mechanically propelled vehicles on the frozen rivers and lakes is strictly prohibited.

1006 Yes, yes, I know, there was a spelling error in the entry at 0957. 'Breaking' should, obviously, have been 'braking'. Mea Culpa. Now it's fixed. God you guys miss nothing. Thanks for letting me know anyway.

1000 Soldiers from Finner camp in Donegal are involved in snow clearance in eleven towns around the county and are on standby to help with other difficulties at Letterkenny and Buncrana Garda stations and Donegal Airport at Carrickfin.

0957 More on the suspension of flights at Dublin Airport: runway braking action reports have indicated that the runway is not safe to use.

0940 DublinAirport on Twitter: Flight operations have been suspended until 13.30 to allow snow to be cleared from the runway, taxiways and apron areas.

0935 Ireland West Airport (Knock) wishes to advise passengers that the airport is open and fully operational. The airport will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and passengers are advised to check websites for regular updates throughout the day.

- Ireland West Airport: 094 9368100 / www.irelandwestairport.com

- Aer Arann: 0818 210 210 / www.aerarann.com

- Aer Lingus: 0818 365 000 / www.aerlingus.com

- bmibaby (Belfast): 1890 340 122 / www.bmibaby.com

- bmi: 01 407 3036

- Ryanair: 01 248 0856 / www.ryanair.com

0920 DublinAirport on Twitter: We are temporarily suspending flight operations for about 30 minutes to allow the runway to be sprayed with de-icer.

0909 Apparently major shopping centres are losing out and smaller retailers are benefitting as customers refuse to venture far because of the bad weather.

Isn't it nice to see the little guys (and girls) doing well for a change?

0905 GobusGalway on Twitter: All services are operating today. We are still experiencing delays on arrival.

0904 AA Roadwatch on Twitter: Very isolated but heavy dumps of snow in Dublin, including at the Airport. Traffic very heavy.

The good news never ends.

0853 AA Roadwatch on Twitter: KILDARE: Gardai are dealing with a collision southbound on the M7 at J9 Naas North.

0850 AA Roadwatch on Twitter: More snowfall in Dublin. Someone just said, "isn't it pretty!"... hmmm.

Hmmm indeed. I have to get myself to west Mayo tomorrow so the less I hear about 'more snowfall' the better.

0840 Don't forget that details on flights (arrivals/departures) at Dublin, Cork and Shannon are available from Aertel page 570.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair are providing live details of their flights. (Note: Flight number required for Aer Lingus).

0823 Ok, we've got today's photo gallery started...

0819 We're working on getting a few of your photos up so bear with us on that. And, once again, thanks so much for all your fantastic images. Every day we get hundreds and unfortunately we can only get around to publishing a sample each day. But we are very grateful to everyone who has sent in a picture during the cold weather.

Check out all the picture galleries here.

0800 Latest AA Roadwatch summary for Dublin:

Northside

The M1 down to one lane northbound from J2 Dublin Airport to J6 Balbriggan due to thick ice and compacted snow. Drive with extreme care on the N3/Navan Rd; there were extremely heavy delays along this route lastnight due to treacherous conditions. Nephin Rd in Cabra is passable but there are very slippery stretches on this route.

In the Phoenix Park, Knockmaroon Gate, Islandbridge Gate, Upper Glen Rd & Wellington Rd are closed. Local access is being maintained on Ordnance Survey Rd. Cars are having trouble from Castleknock over the bridge near Laurel Lodge.
In Howth, Balkhill Rd and Balglass Rd are very slippery.
Very slushy and icy in parts around Rush, Lusk & Skerries.

Southside

Icy conditions in the right lane of the M4/N4 Sligo/Dublin Rd from J6 Celbridge, Kildare to J3 Lucan in Dublin. Thick ice on the Coldcut Rd jct with Kennelsfort Rd and the Ballyfermot Rd jct. Very bad at the Coldcut Bridge as well.

Extremely icy on Marine Rd and York Rd in Dun Laoghaire. Icy on Glenageary Rd Lower; it's a very steep hill so take care. Very icy on Eden Rd in Glasthule and at the Barnhill Rd R/A in Dalkey. Extremely icy on Hyde Rd, Avondale Rd, Castlepark Rd, Sorrento Rd and on Railway Rd particularly by the bridge. Very slippery all around Killiney as well.

Avoid Strathmore Rd in Shankill and Cornelscourt Hill Rd in Cabinteely. In Blackrock, icy conditions on Rock Rd at Booterstown Ave and onto Frascati Rd. Temple Hill is treacherous.

Cromwellsfort Rd has been gritted but conditions are still very poor. The Orchard Lane/Main St/Monastery Rd jct is very icy. Avoid Woodford Hill and it remains treacherous on Nangor Rd and Ninth Lock Rd.

West Dublin

Very icy conditions on the M50 both ways between J6 Blanchardstown and J7 Lucan. Gritters are en route. Traffic is slow in both directions between J6 and J7 as a result.

0755 Latest AA Roadwatch national summary:

Coldest in the North and West this morning; with temperatures as low as -17.1°C in Donegal. There was isolated fresh snowfall around the East and Sth East last night. There are still several inches of snow lying on the ground from recent days in Leinster especially.

The Christmas rush will start this afternoon. You are advised to travel in daylight, do a check on your car well in advance, especially if it has not been driven for a few days, allow at least an hour extra for all long journeys.

CONNACHT

Roscommon: The N5 Longford/Westport Rd is blocked at Tulsk by an overturned truck. Divert via Boyle and Castlerea but allow an extra 30 minutes for this. Could be blocked until the afternoon.

Galway: Icy across the county, particularly in Clifden, Recess and the Maam Valley Rd.

Mayo/Sligo/Leitrim: Compacted snow and ice has resulted in hazardous roads especially in Westport, Castlebar and Ballina & the N4 Sligo/ Carrick On Shannon Rd.

LEINSTER

Westmeath: In Athlone, Castlemaine St is closed to all traffic following a major fire yesterday. Traffic cannot access Mardyke St from Ballymahon Road. On Sean Costello St diversions are in place at Irishtown.

Laois/Kildare: Be careful on the M7 from J18 Portlaoise to J9 Naas North where severe ice was a problem last night. There appears to be some improvement today but you are advised to avoid the overtaking lane. The M4 is very icy in the right lane from J6 Celbridge to J3 Lucan. Very icy conditions on the N8 between Durrow and Abbeyleix.

Wicklow: Fresh snowfall in Wicklow overnight. Windgates, Bray is impassable from Southern Cross, Greystones and Wexford due to snow and ice. * Compacted snow & ice affecting roads in Rathdrum, Roundwood and Wicklow town. * Avoid The Sally Gap and the Wicklow Gap due to severe ice.

Wexford: Fresh snowfall in parts around Gorey adding to hazardous conditions.

Kildare: Liffey Bridge in Celbridge should be avoided. Captain's Hill, Leixlip is also treacherous.

Louth/Meath: Very icy stretches, with traffic down to one lane in parts on the M2 approaching Ashbourne, and further along the N2 as far as Cullen. * Icy around Navan, Slane and Ashbourne. Icy in Dundalk and Drogheda.

MUNSTER

Cork: Very icy conditions on secondary routes around West Cork; especially in Bantry.

Kerry: Icy around Kenmare, Listowel, Tralee and Killarney. Conor Pass and Molls Gap are closed. * Care is advised on the N70 Tralee/Castlemaine Rd and Castlemaine/Farranfore Rd (R561) due to icy conditions.

Limerick: Dense freezing fog to contend with around Limerick City. Use your fog lights in the affected areas. Icy conditions on secondary routes around Limerick; in particular around Newcastle West on the N21 Abbeyfeale Rd, the Drumcollogher Rd (R519) and on Kilmallock Rd.

ULSTER

Monaghan: Packed ice on many routes, especially byroads, and icy around Monaghan town and Carrickmacross.

Donegal: Very icy around Ballybofey on the N13 Letterkenny Rd, the N15 Donegal Rd and the Lifford Rd. * Treacherous around Glenties. Avoid Barnesmore Gap.

Cavan: Watch out for patches of ice on N3 Cavan/Dublin Rd at Virginia.

0731 Miss the RTÉ Sports Awards last night? Watch it here on RTÉ Player.

0724 AerArann on Twitter: RE231 Dublin to Galway and RE 212 Sligo to Dublin are cancelled this morning due to adverse weather.

0722 Livedrive on Twitter: Luas will be running extra trams on the red line today and tomorrow to cater for increased demand.

0713 AA Roadwatch on Twitter: The N5 Longford/Castlebar Rd is closed at Tulsk until this afternoon due to an overturned truck.

0712 A temperature of -18C was recorded last night in Castlederg, Co Tyrone.

-18?! What is the world coming to?

0709 Morning Ireland, which will have regular updates on weather and travel, is currently on RTÉ Radio and you can listen to it here.

0657 A ship bearing a cargo of salt has just arrived at Cork Harbour.

I never in my life thought I'd be typing a sentence like that in the name of News.

0654 One of you has commented saying you hope I am getting paid "a big bonus". I'll have to make sure my boss sees that comment.

0646 Irish Rail on Twitter: All trains operating on all routes, some minor delays expected. M3 Parkway operating to/from Connolly.

0640 Bus Éireann update:

Most Bus Éireann services around the country are operating as per normal this morning with some delays and diversions in affected areas. The main inter-city commuter routes out of the east are operating this morning with some delays. Some town-to-town services in the north east are currently disrupted. City services in Galway are currently under review due to icy road conditions.

Road passenger services currently affected by weather and road conditions include some services in the east and north east:

Route 111: Dublin/Athboy – Operating with delays; no connection to Cavan. Cavan/Athboy – Cavan/Granard only.
Route 121: Edenderry/Tullamore – Operating with delays; not serving Croghan or Rhode
Route 126: Dublin/Kildare – Operating; not serving Suncroft
Route 132: Dublin/Tullow – 0630 ex Tullow cancelled
Route 133: Dublin/Wicklow – Operating, 0800 and 1300 Arklow –Wicklow; 1030 Wicklow –Arklow cancelled. Services not serving Leg of Mutton will operate via Main Street.
Route 101 Drogheda/Dublin - Operating on motorway Dublin to Walshstown both directions.
Route 161 Dundalk/Carlingford/Newry – Operating, not serving Whitestown.
Route 163 Drogheda/Donore – Cancelled.
Route 166 Dundalk Carrickmacross – Not serving Inniskeen. Cavan service cancelled.
Route 168 Dundalk/Annagassan – Cancelled.
Route 175 Monaghan/Cavan – Cancelled.
Route 182 Drogheda/Ardee – Operating not serving Tullyallen.
Route 187 Oldcastle/Kells – Not serving Moynalty.
Route 189 Drogheda/Clogher – Cancelled.
Route 190 Drogheda/Laytown – Cancelled.

0630 Woohoo. Our first comments are in. Thanks folks.

0617 All quiet on the comments front. Is there anybody out there or have you all decided to stay in bed and wait until this arctic spell gets sick and tired of making us sick and tired?

0615 AA Roadwatch national summary:

Coldest in the North and West this morning; with temperatures as low as -17.1°C in Donegal. Ice and compacted snow have resulted in hazardous conditions in most areas. Slow down and drive with extra care.

LEINSTER

Laois/Kildare: Extremely icy on the M7 northbound from J18 Portlaoise West to J16 Portlaoise East, particularly bad in the right lane. Black ice on the southbound carriageway. * Traffic down to one lane in parts of M7 between J18 and J9 Naas North and on the M9 from the M7 to J3 Athy. * Severe black ice on the M7 between J9 Naas North and J10 Naas South. Freezing fog is descending in the area. Gardai appealing to motorists to slow down.

Kildare: Liffey Bridge in Celbridge should be avoided. Captin's Hill, Leixlip is also treacherous.

Westmeath: Following a fire on Castlemaine St, Athlone, traffic is being diverted at the Crescent Jct, Irishtown and at the Golden Island SC R/A. Traffic can access Athlone Town.

Wicklow: Windgates, Bray is impassable from Southern Cross, Greystones and Wexford due to snow and ice. * Compacted snow & ice affecting roads in Rathdrum, Roundwood and Wicklow town. * Gardai are advising motorists avoid Kilgarron Hill, Enniskerry. * Avoid The Sally Gap and the Wicklow Gap due to severe ice.

Louth/Meath: Icy around Navan, Slane and Ashbourne. Icy in Dundalk and Drogheda.

ULSTER

Donegal: Treacherous on the Newtowncunningham to Killea Rd (off the N13) due to severe ice. * Very icy around Ballybofey on the N13 Letterkenny Rd, the N15 Donegal Rd and the Lifford Rd. * Treacherous around Glenties. Avoid Barnesmore Gap.

Monaghan: Very icy on all roads around Monaghan town. * Packed snow & ice on all routes in Carrickmacross and very bad on Carrickmacross/Kingscourt Rd (R179). *CAVAN* Watch out for patches of ice on N3 Cavan/Dublin Rd at Virginia.

CONNACHT

Galway: Icy road conditions county wide in Galway but particularly in Clifden where the Cashel Rd in Recess is reportedly treacherous.

Mayo: Compacted snow and ice in Westport, Castlebar and Ballina.

Sligo: Ice and compacted snow in many parts of Co. Sligo. The Mall Carpark and Connaughton Carpark in Sligo Town remain closed.

Roscommon: The N60 Roscommon/Castlerea Rd and the N63 Roscommon/Longford Rd remain icy. Icy conditions on the Castlerea/Frenchpark Rd (R361).

Leitrim: Icy on the N4 at Carrick On Shannon.

MUNSTER

Cork: Very icy conditions on secondary routes around West Cork; especially in Skibbereen and Bantry.

Limerick: Icy conditions remain around Newcastle West on the N21 Abbeyfeale Rd, the Drumcollogher Rd (R519) and on Kilmallock Rd. *M7/DUBLIN/LIMERICK RD* The final 36km stretch of the M7 Dublin/Limerick Road opened on Wed 22nd Dec and bypasses Toomevara, Moneygall and Ros.

0605 Latest weather forecast:

Extremely cold again this morning, and isolated snow and hail showers will continue to occur along the east coast during the day. But otherwise it will be mostly dry and bright, but with patches of freezing fog persisting in some places through the day. Highest temperatures by the early afternoon, between -1 and -5 degrees.

Temperatures will again generally fall to between -5 and -10 degrees tonight, with a further risk of isolated snow showers along the east coast.

Freezing again for Christmas Eve with persistent fog, but otherwise dry.

Dublin Airport update: airport is fully operational. Snow and ice crews worked throughout the night to ensure the runway, taxiway and apron areas are available for flight operations this morning. Snow and ice crews are on standby should weather conditions deteriorate further. Passengers intending to travel today are advised to consult with their airline or airline's website BEFORE travelling to the airport today.

Dublin Bus is operating services on all corridors this morning but due to icy road conditions there are curtailments and diversions on routes and some services may also experience delays.

Customers are advised to check if their route is affected before travelling as these curtailments and diversions may change throughout the course of the morning.

A full list of the routes affected is available on www.dublinbus.ie

Customers can also telephone the Dublin Bus Customer Information Line on 01 8734222

Luas update: full services on red and green lines.

0600 Hello again. Firstly, I hope you are all safe and well.

The 23rd of December is traditionally a day that many people make their way home for Christmas. Well here's wishing you all a safe and stress-free trip today. Actually, maybe stress-free is asking for a bit too much. Let's all settle for safe then.

Give me a minute to thaw out and I'll have the latest forecast and other snippets for you.

Useful Links

More stories on