Laois Gardaí advise "extreme caution" on roads following recent crashes

Laois Gardaí are appealing to motorists to drive with “extreme caution” in the coming days as freezing conditions are likely to continue. 

“We had four road traffic accidents reported to us in the last 24 hours which probably would be a little above average,” a Garda spokesperson said. 

He said two of the crashes occurred in Portlaoise with one in the town and the other on the motorway while the other two occurred in the Mountmellick area. 

“One in Portlaoise, they had left the scene when the gardaí got there yesterday at around 4pm,” he said. 

In the second crash in Portlaoise a car skidded on ice and collided with a barrier at around 10am this(Monday) morning. The two crashes in Mountmellick took place at the weekend and there were no injuries reported in any of the collisions. 

Gardaí are urging people to exercise “extreme caution” in the coming days. 

“The risk now really is what you can’t see, the freezing roads. Exercise extreme caution particularly in minus temperatures,” he said. 

Gardaí also reminded people to avoid making any unnecessary journeys until the freezing conditions have passed.

Laois County Council said its staff responded to a number of callouts during the wintery weather. 

“Laois Fire and Emergency Services responded to a number of trees down over the weekend and to a number of road incidents relating to material damage crashes and stranded vehicles,” said Director of Services Simon Walton.  

“I urge caution on the transportation network over the coming days. Circumstances will be difficult and extremely difficult in places.  Minimise transport where you can and, where you can’t, slow down, allow extra time and be visible,” he added.