Press Release: 6pm Sunday 4th March , 2018, Local Coordination GroupSignificant progress has been made on clearing all major routes throughout the county. All Priority 1, 2 and 3 routes are now clear. Our focus is now on other regional and local routes and full details of cleared roads can be found in the seperate attached Roads Update.
The Slieve Bloom Area is particularly badly affected and all parts of the county have experienced severe snow drifts which have hampered our efforts.
Many of our towns and villages streets are clear as are access routes into and out of them.
The Council’s efforts continue to be assisted by hired plant from contractors, i.e., JCBs, Bobcats, Loading Shovels and Agricultural Machinery.
A number of Local roads are still largely impassable due to snow drifts. Where feasible, local farmers have cleared some and we wish to acknowledge and thank them for their efforts. We are also asking businesses and householders to continue clearing footpaths outside their premises.
Power has been restored to the affected houses in Edenderry.
Due to a significant leak which is draining the reservoir at Frewin Hill Irish Water have advised that it will be necessary to restrict flow to the Ballinagore, Kilbeggan, Horseleap and Streamstown areas from 6 pm this evening Sunday 5th March to 8 am on Monday 6th March.
There are concerns about possible flooding as the thaw starts and we are monitoring this. Areas known to flood continue to be monitored.
Motorists are advised to take care and SLOW DOWN on all roads as thawing snow can slide or fall off road side banks. Extensive fog is forecast for the Midlands so all road users need to exercise caution. Advice on driving in adverse weather can be found at http://rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/
As the thaw starts we are asking to public to abide by the following safety measures:
Safety Advice:
• No unnecessary recreational or social travel should be undertaken in areas where road clearance activities still need to be undertaken
• Stay away from downed power lines and report any downed power lines to ESB Networks
• Exercise extreme caution if it is necessary go outside on foot. Footpaths remain treacherous with the risk of slips, trips and falls.
• Please check on vulnerable neighbours.
• Businesses and householders are asked to clear footpaths outside their premises.
• Watch for flooding – stay away from watercourses over the next few days as river levels will rise in some catchments.
• At a household and individual building level, melting snow will cause leaks, may pull down gutters and people should please watch out for snow sliding off roofs.
All Council offices will reopen as normal tomorrow and all opening hours can be found at http://www.offaly.ie Tullamore and Edenderry Civic Amenity Centres will be open