Soldiers and council crews still clearing snow in North Cork

A week on from the Status Orange warnings that heralded a big freeze in southwest Ireland, Cork County Council and the Defence Forces are still working hard to clear snow and ice from severely affected communities in North Cork.

External contractors have also been enlisted alongside soldiers to clear footpaths and make school routes safe. Cork County Council this evening issued a progress update on some of the ongoing efforts in North Cork:

  • Council crews cleaning footpaths in Ballydesmond.
  • Boherbue primary school cleaned by council crews.
  • Snow clearing footpaths Boherbue today.
  • Council contractors cleaning footpaths in Kanturk today.
  • Colaiste Treasa, Kanturk being cleaned by council contractors.
  • Council crew cleaning footpaths estabishing access to school in Newmarkey

The Council added: “Council crews are tirelessly clearing snow in the hardest-hit areas of the county making schools, services and shops accessible. All done with continued support and aid from the Defence Forces, external contractors, and Cork City Council.”

This morning Cork County Council said that its Severe Weather team had gathered again to assess the days ahead: “Cork County Council continues to prioritise access to essential services, schools, and shops as it deploys resources to clear snow in north-west and north Cork this weekend. The Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this morning to assess the situation.

“Motorists should be aware that the thaw will be slow in the worst affected areas, leading to treacherous driving conditions, especially on higher elevations. The volume of snow which had fallen means that there will be compacted snow and mounds on roads and in villages for days to come, making driving hazardous.

“Drivers are urged to slow down, even in areas that have thawed, as there may be significant damage to road surfaces across the county, making driving conditions challenging and unpredictable and care should be taken on all routes.”

Yesterday crews were clearing snow in Charleville, where roads were rendered impassable at the height of the heavy snowfall last week.

Soldiers from the 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment – headquartered at Collins Barracks in Cork – have been assisting for several days now to improve access for isolated communities and households. In recent days volunteers and good samaritans have also helped to ensure that hospital staff got to work on time – as farmers cleared the way through heavy snow for families in North Cork.

Following foggy conditions last night, Met Éireann has forecast milder days ahead – with highs of 13C expected in Munster by Monday.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/soldiers-council-crews-still-clearing-30763492