LIMERICK will be under a Status Orange weather warning for low temperatures and ice again from 6pm this Wednesday evening (January 8), as temperatures were set to hit as low as -8 in parts last night with similar lows projects for tonight.
The Status Orange warning is set to remain in place until 10am on Thursday (January 9), with a separate Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning remaining in place until Friday at 12 noon.
Thousands of people in the West Limerick area remain without power this morning, while the ESB has confirmed that they will provide facilities in hotels for those still without supply.
Around 3,000 customers in West Limerick, North Cork, and South Tipperary remain without power according to the utility, with a spokesman saying that people in the Newcastle West area still without power can avail of facilities at the Longcourt Hotel, while those near Abbeyfeale can use Leens Hotel.
Customers can avail of restaurant facilities at the hotel, as well as power supplies to charge phones and other devices, but lifelines do not include washing or accommodation at this time.
Customers wishing to make use of these facilities are advised to bring their MPRN number, which can be found on their electricity bills.
It is understood the ESB has called in helicopter teams from the Defence Forces in recent days to help with the restoration of power on lines in West Limerick.
Also in Newcastle West, as a result of large snow accumulations in the area, family court sittings have been cancelled on Thursday, with all matters adjourned until January 23.
Court sittings in Mulgrave Street and Merchant’s Quay will proceed as normal.
Library branches in Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Dromcollogher, Galbally, Glin, Kilfinane, Kilmallock, Newcastle West, and Rathkeale will remain closed today, the Limerick Library Service has confirmed.
Council crews are gritting footpaths across the city, including in Garryowen Rd, Downey St, Mulgrave St, Ballysimon Rd, Bishop St, George’s Quay, Mary St, Nicholas St, while crews in Newcastle West are working on high ground with loading shovels in Tournafulla, Mountcollins, Carrigkerry, Glin, and Abbeyfeale.
The public has been urged to avoid unnecessary travel as current road surface temperatures are -3 degrees and likely to remain below zero until the afternoon, the Council added.
Temperatures are expected to dip well below freezing again tonight, with Uisce Éireann urging members of the public to protect their water supply during the freezing weather.
Operations Manager Duane O’Brien said that there are some simple steps everyone can take to protect their property during the cold snap.
“With temperatures dipping below zero it is very important to continue the regular maintenance of your property, protect outside taps and farm troughs, and check empty premises.
“It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe,” Mr O’Brien explained.
“We are also appealing to customers to be mindful of their water usage and to conserve water where possible. We recommend that people don’t run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains,” he added.
A warning from the HSE called on older and vulnerable people in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary to stay at home where possible while the cold snap continues.
