STATEMENT ISSUED 7^TH JANUARY 2010 AT 4.30PM

South Dublin County Council?s on going response to current prolonged adverse weather conditions.

The latest forecast from Met Eireann has advised that there is to be a further continuation of the current sub zero temperatures with a projected minimum of at least -8 degrees Centigrade tonight. The outlook for the coming days shows no sign of improvement with very severe frosts and ice forecast. A few light hail or snow showers are possible overnight. Some freezing fog may develop in places.

Road conditions throughout the County continue to require all drivers to exercise extreme care notwithstanding the extensive gritting programme which is under way. The ongoing advice regarding the taking of non-essential journeys remains in place. Where it is necessary to undertake journeys, drivers should check the weather forecasts prior to departure. In particular the Council is still advising school authorities to seriously consider keeping schools in the County closed for the time being, having regard to the current and forecasted conditions.

The Council?s gritting fleet are currently fully deployed and the resources of the Council?s traffic Management centre are being additionally deployed to supplement the ongoing organisational wide efforts. Gritting is taking place on an ongoing basis. Further gritting materials have been and are being delivered and a full programmed gritting run on the 343 km of roads that constitute our scheduled routes will be undertaken later this evening and first thing tomorrow morning.

Further advises will issue as soon as possible and in the means time updates and additional information is available on the Council?s website: www.sdcc.ie

7^th January 2010

4.30 pm

ENDS