Gardai in Athlone are urging members of the public to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are safe and warm, as freezing weather conditions continue to grip Athlone town and the surrounding area.
Up to six inches of snowfall was recorded on Tuesday morning this week, with Athlone being cited on national news bulletins as amongst the the worst hit area in the country with this week’s cold spell. And it appears the worst is far from over, with temperatures expected to fall to -13 degrees in parts of the country over the coming nights.
The majority of schools in the town and surrounding areas have remained closed since the first heavy snowfall on Tuesday morning, when traffic was brought to a standstill on several of the town’s approach roads.
Up to 70 council workers armed with snowploughs, diggers, shovels, and gritters have taken to the streets over the past three days to make driving and footpath conditions less treacherous. The Army and Civil Defence have also been on call to assist those most affected.
Westmeath County Council has been issuing regular severe weather updates, reminding the public yesterday [Thursday] that it is concentrating on the main arterial routes in the county and on the streets in the major towns and villages.
According to the latest update yesterday afternoon, the N4 and M4 from Kinnegad to Longford, and the N6/M6 from Kinnegad to Athlone were being treated and were open on one lane in each direction; however motorists should not attempt to overtake other vehicles.
Elsewhere in the county the N52 Tyrrellspass to Mullingar and Mullingar to Clonmellon, the N51 Delvin to Athboy, the N55 Athlone to Ballymahon, and the N62 Athlone to Ballymahon were all open and had been treated.
Regional roads were “passable with extreme care”, while in towns and villages pedestrians are being advised to take extra care on footpaths where snow or ice remains.
For information on winter gritting and advice on how to protect your water supply visit Westmeath County Council’s ‘Winter Tips’ page at www.westmeathcoco.ie
The council is also asking that they be made aware of any vulnerable people living alone who might be in need of assistance at (044 ) 9332000. The Civil Defence is also working with the public health services to ensure access for medical services to elderly and vulnerable persons in isolated locations.
People in need of urgent assistance, especially the elderly and infirm, should contact the emergency services through 112 or 999.
