KCC Crisis Management Team issue update on ploughing and gritting operations

Kildare County Council have issued a further update on their operations as they continue to battle the conditions that are gripping the county.

With over six feet of snow being reported from many parts of Kildare, the council are finding it extremely difficult to clear roads, stating that they do not know when they will be able to mobilise salt gritters to improve the road conditions.

The Council’s Crisis Management Team incorporating the Severe Weather Assessment Team reconvened this morning at 9.15am to discuss and analyse the impact of the severe weather last night and the anticipated weather conditions for the day ahead.

There are currently 30 tractor powered ploughs attempting to clear the regional roads throughout Kildare since first light this morning, but with snow still pelting down in many areas it is proving extremely difficult.

An updated statement from KCC this afternoon read;

“Defence Forces staff in conjunction with Kildare County Council staff are attempting to clear footpaths and entrances leading to critical services such as the hospitals.

“Where possible the Fire Service and Civil Defence are attempting to assist An Garda Siochana, the Health Services and other care services to deal with emergency situations.

“Water Services continue to monitor the water infrastructure in Kildare.”

With a Status Red Weather Warning in operation until 6pm this evening, KCC have asked for people to remain indoors and to exercise high levels of caution if they do leave their homes.

“In particular pedestrians walking on roads are impeding rescue vehicles and causing these vehicles to leave the road. The public are requested to stay off the roads,” the statement continued.

The council will meet again this afternoon to discuss their next plan of action.