An ORANGE status weather warning remains in place for County Laois. Having regard to local conditions all persons should, to the greatest extent possible, REMAIN INDOORS, DO NOT TRAVEL AND STAY SAFE.
PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL. Weather conditions may deteriorate overnight. Cars getting stuck on roads impedes the efforts of the emergency services.
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.
Motorway and National routes are being treated and drivers should take extreme care. Further snowfall, freezing temperatures and drifting snow has made certain other routes in the County impassable and conditions on all other routes are extremely hazardous. Council ploughing / salting /gritting operations continue from 6pm with primary focus on priority 1 routes so as to make every effort to maintain access across and through the County. Laois County Council have engaged the support of contractors to support us in our efforts to unblock as many routes as possible and support the emergency services in reaching locations where incidents are arising.
The Gardai are again urging people to avoid all unnecessary travel and if you have to go out, ensure you use appropriate transport, bring all necessary equipment with you, let someone know where you are going and a time that you are expected back; that includes farmers going out to check on animals.
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.