News » Archived News 2010

Severe Weather Conditions

Cork City Council continues to urge the public to take extra caution during the current wintry spell.

• Traffic Routes

Cork City Council’s Road Crews have been treating the city’s roads since the onset of the current Cold Snap in mid-December. The programme for treating roads has been focussed on main traffic routes and on bus routes.  

In common with other local authorities and other jurisdictions, the City Council’s salt stockpile is limited and our programme for treating roads will continue for as long as supplies are available. The Council currently estimates that it will be in a position to treat roads until the beginning of next week.

Nationally, the NRA has been asked to co-ordinate arrangements in relation to the management of salt stocks across the country. The City Council will be working with the NRA and continuing its efforts to ensure that the city’s main roads continue to be treated.

The Council is keeping the situation under constant review and will be monitoring the weather conditions and the response will be adapted  as circumstances require.

• Frozen Waters

Cork City Council advises the public not to go onto frozen waters in the city including The Lough, Atlantic Pond and Fitzgerald’s Park.  The Council has erected warning signs at these amenity areas.  These frozen areas are extremely dangerous at present with varying degrees of ice thickness and ice liable to crack suddenly without warning.

• Burst Water Pipes

Please contact the following numbers to report burst water pipes:

Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm:       021 4924514 or 4924145 .

Outside of work hours:   021 4966512

• Elderly neighbours

The City Council is asking people to check on elderly neighbours in their community who may be experiencing serious difficulties as a result of the prolonged cold spell.   Tips and advice on staying well and warm in your home are available on www.ageaction.ie

• Schools

For list of schools closed during the current cold snap, check www.rte.ie

• Local and national information is available on:

www.met.ie

www.garda.ie

www.aaroadwatch.ie

www.buseireann.ie

www.rte.ie

www.hse.ie

www.ageaction.ie

• Advice for motorists

Cork City Council is advising all road users to take special care when using the roads during freezing conditions.

Motorists are advised to:

1. Check local and national weather forecasts before setting out on a journey.

2. Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.

3. Carry a mobile phone in case you need to call for assistance. Do not use it while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make a call.

 If driving in icy or snowy conditions drivers should:

1. Remember it takes longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly and allow extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

2. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.

3. Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.

4. To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently

5. Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and reduce speed.

 In the event of a minor skid do the following:

1. If you start to skid, release the brake pedal fully and stay off the brake.

2. Turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator at the same time.

3. Avoid over correction with too much steering.

ENDS

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