The Daily Star Ireland
Donegal County Council’s Director of Roads and Transportation, Bryan Cannon, reported that road temperatures as low as -4°C have been recorded in various areas across the county. He emphasized that road surface temperatures are generally lower than the air temperature displayed in vehicles, advising caution for drivers.
During the ongoing cold snap, approximately 1,140 kilometers of public roads across 21 designated routes in Donegal have been gritted daily. Council crews are also addressing local road issues on a priority basis for areas not included in the gritting program.
The icy conditions have led to many schools in Donegal closing due to hazardous roads. Mr. Cannon noted that while gritted roads are generally passable with care, gritting can be less effective in areas with low traffic volumes. He urged the public to assume no road is entirely ice-free, even if it has been treated, as local conditions can cause patches of ice to form.
The current spell of cold weather is expected to persist until Friday. Mr. Cannon warned of potential wintry showers in the northwest that, when combined with already freezing road surfaces, could lead to further icing. He also highlighted the risk of freezing fog over the coming days, which could present additional dangers for travelers.
To assist with road safety, the Council has replenished local grit stockpiles, allowing residents to use the material on untreated public roads.
