LATEST: Is the end of the Kilkenny cold snap in sight?
Forecasters have made predictions as Kilkenny enters status orange weather warning
Political leaders here in Ireland have indicated they are content with the handling of recent weather as the end of the cold snap is in sight.
Temperatures in parts of Ireland plunged to minus 7.5C in the early hours of Thursday, with weather warnings remaining in place until Friday.
An orange weather warning for low temperatures and ice has been issued for 13 counties, including Kilkenny, from 7pm on Thursday to 8am on Friday.
However Met Eireann has said milder weather will return this weekend.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met on Thursday, and in a statement said indications are that temperatures will slowly start to increase from tomorrow, with temperatures of 8-11C forecast by Sunday.
Keith Leonard, national director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said while Thursday night is to be bitterly cold, “we are reaching the end of the severe weather phase”.
“We are continuing to co-ordinate a cross-government response to ensure the most appropriate supports are happening at local level, and we remain particularly focused on getting those who are still without power or water reconnected as quickly as possible,” he said.