Update on potential school closures as Met Eireann extends Low Temperature Warning into next week

The Government has given an update on potential school closures as Met Eireann extends a Low Temperature Warning right up to next Friday. 

Temperatures are set to drop as low as -7 in places tonight with the very cold conditions set to last throughout the week. A Status Orange Low Temperature and Ice Warning for all of Ireland comes into effect at 5pm this evening and remains in place until midday on Monday. 

A separate Status Yellow Low Temperature and Ice Warning remains in place until noon on Friday next while there is a Status Yellow Snow Warning in place for tonight for Donegal and Mayo.

After a meeting of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, Minister Darragh O'Brien said that schools would remain open this week. He added that life will go on as normal this week but people are being advised to take care during this extended cold spell. Public transport will also remain operational. 

Met Eireann is warning of the following as the cold snap continues. 

Treacherous conditions on paths and roads

Travel disruption

Potential supply disruption

Potential for burst water pipes and damage to engines

Increased risks to vulnerable members of the community

Animal welfare issues

Slack winds over land leading to reduced wind power generation