Cowen praises workers' 'sense of public service'
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said workers’ efforts to keep the country running in the big freeze showed the true sense of public service.
Mr Cowen paid tribute to the Defence Forces, gardaí, Civil Defence, health workers, bus, train and tram drivers and council staff enduring long hours of gritting.
The Taoiseach said he wanted to acknowledge the efforts of all workers in the hazardous weather conditions.
“I want to sincerely thank the staff of various councils who were involved in the gritting of roads at all hours, day and night, around the country,” he said.
“I also want to commend the gardaí, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence personnel who are assisting communities all across Ireland.
“I would also like to commend all those who have kept our public transport services in operation as well as the staff who are making every effort to turn up at our hospitals to care for patients.
“It is at times like these that the true sense of public service shines through. I believe it is important that these efforts are acknowledged.”
Met Eireann say the arctic conditions will continue for another week with no significant thaw until next Friday.
There has been further snow showers in east Ulster, Leinster and east Munster this afternoon with more falls forecast overnight and tomorrow morning.
Motorists are also being warned that driving conditions will remain treacherous due to severe frost and ice as temperatures drop to at least -6C tonight.
Snow is continuing to fall in eastern counties this evening with main roads fast becoming slushy.
Ulster is also seeing heavy snowfall in Cavan and Monaghan on top of compacted snow.
The N53 Dundalk/Castleblaney Road is closed at Philipstown until further notice due to a collision.
As rush hour appraoches, all roads remain extremely icy, especially Dublin city centre and the southside.
The Luas Red Line is operating in both directions from Tallaght to Abbey Street, while the Green Line operating in both directions between Sandyford and St. Stephen's Green.
Dublin Bus is operating, but with curtailments and diversions on some routes.
Dublin Airport is fully operational, but passengers are advised to contact their airline before going to the airport.
Most Irish Rail routes are running, but with 60 minute delays to services in and out of Dublin's Heuston Station.
Bus Éireann services currently affected by weather and road conditions include:
Route 4: Dublin-Waterford – operating via M9 to Carlow
Route 7 Cork-Dublin -1830 to Kilkenny will operate to Clonmel only
Route 73 Athlone Waterford - Operating to Portlaoise only. Waterford departures cancelled.
Route 109A: Navan-DCU – Service not operating via Ashbourne & Ratoath
Route 133: Dublin-Wicklow – Operating, not serving ‘’Leg of Mutton’’
Route 101N: Drogheda Night Rider cancelled tonight and tomorrow night
Route 109N: Navan Night Rider cancelled tonight and tomorrow night
Route 126N: Newbridge Night Rider cancelled tonight and tomorrow night
Route 177 Monaghan Dublin - 20:45 Ex Dublin cancelled.
