DEEP FREEZE
Snow and floods cause chaos across country
FAMILIES in the areas worst affected by flooding are continuing to battle the impact of rising river levels.
Torrential rain on Sunday night caused the Shannon to swell.
Met Eireann issued a Status Yellow alert for snow and ice across Ireland from 6am today to 9am tomorrow.
Wintry showers, mainly of hail and sleet, are expected to become increasingly widespread today, leading to icy patches.
There are also warnings of snow in some parts of the country.
Flooding remains in Athlone, Co Westmeath, and in Carrickon-shannon, Co Leitrim.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visited both towns to assess how preventative measures put in place by local authorities have held back the deluge.
He was forced to defend the Government’s flood defence plans following major incidents in 2009 and 2015.
Mr Varadkar said: “There is a lot of investment going into flood relief works, about 100 different projects are now under way across the country which will protect a lot of people in the future.
“Also, what we are doing here is emergency management.
“As water comes downstream, places like Athlone are at risk.
“I want to thank the Office of Public Works, the local authorities, the Fire Brigade and everyone who has been helping out with this effort.”
He also said the Defence Forces will be made available this week in rural areas.
Kevin “Boxer” Moran, the outgoing Minister of State for the OPW and Flood Relief, said local people had endured a “tough challenge”
He added: “I am delighted the Taoiseach can see first-hand the good work that has been done, not just by local authorities but also by the people of Athlone and local farmers.
“We are seeing rising flood levels and from talking to people up and down this area, while they are concerned, they are not alarmed.
“The plans put in place by local authorities have worked in the past and we hope they will work again. We are facing some very difficult situations at present.
“Rural Ireland has been very badly affected and it’s a tough challenge. Water and fire are the hardest things to combat. We must look after people – flood is becoming a huge issue.”
Mr Varadkar faced claims from residents who say the preventative plans are not enough.
The Fine Gael leader said he understands their concerns and fears. He added: “There are lots of things happening, we have set aside €1billion for flood relief works, there are 98 schemes under way including several in Athlone.
“We will do everything we can to protect as many properties and farms as possible.”
Schools were closed and hundreds were left without power after snow blanketed parts of the country yesterday.
Loreto Secondary School, Scoil Cholmcille, St Eunan’s College and Lurgybrack NS in Letterkenny, Co
Donegal, all suspended classes. Donegal’s Education and Training Board confirmed yesterday Deele College, Errigal College Letterkenny and Colaiste Ailigh would also stay shut.
The organisation tweeted the schools were closed “due to adverse weather conditions”.
Power outages were reported in Donegal town and Ballyshannon at around 2am yesterday and remained until the afternoon.
An overnight fault in Newtowncunningham was not resolved until 11am, while disruption in Moville saw power down until 11.45am.
A fault was also recorded in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, early yesterday.
It comes after Met Eireann warned of “very cold and unsettled” weather ahead this week with wintry showers of sleet and hail and snow on higher ground.
Temperatures will be “below normal” and remain in single figures.
Weather experts also revealed we’ll see chilly nights with “sharp or severe frosts” and lows of -1C. Further snow
and wintry showers are also expected tonight particularly in Ulster and Connacht.
A forecaster said: “It will be very cold tonight, with clear spells and scattered showers.
“Most of the showers will be in the western half of the country and some will be of hail, sleet and snow.
“There is also a risk of thunder, mainly in Atlantic coastal areas.
“Expect minimum temperatures of -1C to plus 2C in fresh west to northwest winds. There will also be a risk of frost and icy patches. It will stay very cold tomorrow with below normal temperatures. Maximum values only 4C to 8C.
“A bright day, with sunny spells but scattered showers also, some of hail and sleet, with a continuing risk of snow showers, mainly over high ground.
“Winds mostly moderate to fresh, west to northwest, decreasing light by Wednesday night.
“Very cold overnight, with sharp or severe frost. Dry in most areas, but some wintry showers will occur, mainly in the northwest.
“Minimum remperatures of 0 to -4C.”
Snow and ice could blanket the country today with a Status Yellow warning issued by Met Eireann.
Weather experts have issued the alert as all of Ireland is urged to be braced for wintry conditions. The alert started at 6am yesterday and will last until 9am tomorrow.
A spokesman said: “Wintry showers, mainly of hail and sleet, will become increasingly widespread during Tuesday leading to icy patches.
“Some snow accumulations will also occur.”
We will do everything we can to protect as many farms & properties as possible
LEO VARADKAR CO WESTMEATH YESTERDAY