LATEST: 'treacherous' icy roads and paths in Laois until Friday - Laois County Council

Laois roads and paths will stay "treacherous" until the end of this week, according to Laois County Council's latest snow update this Monday, January 6.

Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, Director of Services for roads Simon Walton said mopeds and bicycles are a no-go, and even roads that are gritted need to be driving with care.

"The Roads Department’s priority over the weekend was largely focussed towards the treatment of the Priority 1 and 2 Routes, noting that there is 500 km of Priority Routes across County Laois. In general, as of Monday morning, I can confirm that all these routes are passable, with care," he said.

More below map of the roads that are treated for ice in Laois.

"County Laois is the subject of a Low Temperature Yellow Weather Warning until midnight on Thursday. As such, road conditions, on untreated roads, footpaths and cycle lanes are likely to be extremely poor and, in places, treacherous, between now and the end of the week.

"Area Offices will seek to clear key footpath areas and to support community events such as funerals etc. Inevitably, however, it will not be possible to reach all areas.

"Having regard to this, our advice to motorists is to minimise travel where possible, and, if that’s not possible, to re-organise your normal travel routes with a focus towards the treated routes.

"Cyclists and Moped-Users are advised to avail of alternative travel options for the next few days.

"Pedestrians need to be aware that many footpaths are, and will continue to be, treacherous over the next few days," Mr Walton said.

A Laois shopper plods home in the snow on Sunday, January 5. Photo: Forest Wolf Photography

Meanwhile, Laois County Fire & Rescue crews and Laois Civil Defence volunteers are on duty to help the public.

"Aside from Roads related matters, Laois County Council has also been involved in a range of other weather related services over the weekend.

"Laois Civil Defence has responded to approximately 100 calls for assistance regarding the transport of critical staff to/from Hospitals and returning discharged patients to their homes.

"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.

"Those services to the vulnerable and to critical staff continue and will continue to be our focus as the week goes by and the poor conditions prevail. I want to compliment our staff on their efforts over the weekend," the director said.

Mr Walton emphasises the danger of travelling in the coming days.

"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.

"Please contact Laois County Council in the normal way for any specific issues that arise," Mr Walton added.