Transport set to grind to a halt for Emma

TRANSPORT nationwide will come to a standstill today as Storm Emma lashes the country with blizzards.

Many key transport networks will shut down for large parts of the day and, in some cases, into tomorrow due to the conditions.

Irish Rail is operating a limited service this morning, but no trains will run from 2pm today until at least noon tomorrow.

‘We will update arrangements after 12pm Friday as soon as possible,’ Irish Rail said in a statement.

The Luas is expected to operate services from 5.30am today until 12pm with a 30-minute frequency. However, no trams will operate after this until further notice.

Dublin Bus will not operate any services today, following advice from Met Éireann and the National Emergency Co-ordination Committee.

Bus Éireann has also cancelled all services in Leinster and Munster today following the decision by the Department of Education to close the schools.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled yesterday at Dublin Airport and passengers intending to travel in the coming days are advised to check with airlines before setting out. Hundreds more flights are expected to be cancelled today.

Aer Lingus said a number of flights had to be cancelled yesterday ‘with the possibility of further cancellations and delays.

‘Guests who were booked to travel on today’s cancelled flights are being notified by SMS message and may rebook to the next available flight, free of charge, using our online facilities,’ said the company.

Ryanair released a statement yesterday afternoon saying that all flights to and from Dublin Airport had been cancelled for the rest of the day. It said some flights had also been cancelled for today.

The runway at Cork Airport reopened yesterday afternoon after operations were suspended to allow for the clearing of snow this morning, but a number of flights remain cancelled.

Shannon Airport said all flights were currently operating to schedule last night. The airport also handled 14 flights that were diverted from Dublin.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation has advised that passengers scheduled to fly into, or out of, Irish airports may experience some disruption as a result of projected severe weather conditions due to snow and or ice.

Aviation Commissioner Cathy Mannion said it is important for passengers to be aware of their rights in such circumstances.

‘If your flight is delayed or cancelled then you have a number of options depending on the circumstances. We want all passengers to be aware of this as it may help to alleviate some of the stress and disruption that such delays can cause,’ she said.

Some ferry services were also cancelled yesterday. All intending passengers should contact their relevant provider or its website for updates.

AA Roadwatch is advising motorists located in Status Red warning areas not to travel unless necessary. ‘If you do have to travel, allow extra time for your journey, and for your car to defrost, before setting off,’ it said.

Meanwhile, Dublin Bus was praised on social media by commuters who were pleased with how the services were being operated.

Met Éireann is forecasting that up to 25cm of snow will have fallen by midday today.

‘Do not travel unless it’s vital’