As a result of the severe snow storm that hit the East Region at 1.00pm today, traffic conditions have deteriorated and coupled with ground temperatures reaching between -12 C to -14 C, many roads have become impassable. As a result of the snow becoming ice this has compounded the already hazardous driving conditions.

To deal with these difficulties, a coordinated response has been put in place by the Regional Local Authorities (Dublin City Council, DunLaoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council, Kildare County Council), the Health Service Executive, An Gárda Siochána and the Defense Forces in accordance with the major emergency framework.

To this end, a Local Co-ordination Centre has been set up in the Traffic Control Centre of Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 through which the 4 Dublin Local Authorities, the HSE and an Garda Siochana are coordinating their actions directly to deal with this situation. Motorists are advised not to undertake journeys unless absolutely necessary. Tune into general news bulletins and to the DublinCityFM LiveDrive programme on 103.2 FM for real time updates on the state of the roads and general driving conditions.

The on/off ramps on the N11 and the M50 and the bridges in the city are causing particular difficulties for motorists. We advise people to use public transport where possible and check the information on the relevant transport authority website before commencing your journey, for the most up to date information on services being provided. Remember to listen and watch news and weather bulletins, and to take the precautionary advice given by organisations such as An Garda Síochána, Met Eireann, the Road Safety Authority and Local Authorities as well as the HSE.

Met Eireann has advised that the current spell of severe weather is set to contrinue for at least another seven days