An ORANGE status weather warning remains in place for County Laois.
All Motorway and National routes and Priority 1 & 2 routes in Laois are now clear and operational – however drivers should continue to take extreme care. Certain other routes in the County are impassable and conditions on all other routes remain hazardous. Council ploughing / salting /gritting operations commenced at 6am this morning and are continuing throughout the day. All Laois County Council outdoors crews are deployed at present, working at town centre locations and on county and local roads. Laois County Council have also engaged the support of 30 contractors to support us in our efforts to unblock as many local and county roads as possible and support the emergency services in reaching locations where incidents are arising.
Laois County Council wishes to acknowledge the support being provided by the agricultural sector and their huge efforts and contribution in removing the large volumes of snow which have accumulated on our roads.
The Council is also monitoring river levels at this time. These levels remain low and will be monitored on a continuous basis.
Please be advised if you require the assistance of the emergency services please dial 999. The local number for the Severe Weather Communication Centre is 1890837273. Emergency shelter is available on request.
Laois County Council has arranged for supplies of grit and salt to be made available at the following locations:
Salt Supply Locations:
Donaghmore Workhouse,
Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse,
Castletown Water Treatment Plant,
Camross Village,
Kiln Lane Mountrath,
Durrow RC Church,
Ballacolla GAA field,
Errill RC Church,
Clough Village,
Mountmellick Council Depot,
Clonaslee Village,
Abbeyleix Council Depot,
Portarlington, Council Depot, Link Road,
Stradbally, Council Depot, Main Street,
Graiguecullen, Council Depot, Sleaty Road.
Grit Supply Locations:
Donaghmore Workhouse
Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse
Mountmellick Council Depot
Clonaslee Village
Rosenallis
Ballyfin Grave Yard
Clonminam Ind Estate- vacant site opposite Portlaoise Turbo services
Abbeyleix Council Depot
Ballinakill – Layby beside Cattle Mart
Portarlington, Council Depot, Link Road,
Stradbally, Council Depot, Main Street,
Graiguecullen, Council Depot, Sleaty Road
Coolrain, Ballickmoyler (Chip Depot, Opposite SB Steel, on the N80).
We would ask the public to check https://www.winterready.ie/en for information and advice on how to deal with potential adverse weather conditions affecting homeowners, businesses, farming community etc. Please also check on the elderly and isolated neighbours and friends and ensure they have adequate stocks of food and fuel.