First there was the snow, now with the snow thawing and refreezing it's creating icy roads and footpaths which has been causing problems for motorists and pedestrians:
http://www.highlandradio.com/2009/12/28/major-road-problems-as-melting-snow-refreezes/
A slight thaw over the weekend meant roads were very wet from melting snow, and that has now frozen over leaving untreated roads icy and dangerous, and also making footpaths and walkways very slippy.
Gardai are urging motorists not to drive unless absolutely necessary.
Overnight, particularly dangerous conditions were reported around the corkscrew at Doochary, with the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team being called out at 3.50am to help a man attempting to get to Letterkenny General Hospital.
And the council has been receiving lots of calls about the roads. They've been using a lot of sand and grit and even 2 gritters ended up in the ditch. And with increasing water demand and burst pipes due to the freezing weather, there's water shortages in parts of the county. If you know someone away on holidays you may want to check their house to make sure there's no burst pipes. Or if you've a outhouse connected to the mains check the pipes.
http://www.highlandradio.com/2009/12/28/council-inundated-with-road-and-water-problems/
... We've had reports of two county council gritters going off the roads this morning in South West Donegal, and efforts are being made to get a truck with essential supplies such as milk and bread to a community in the glen of Glenties, which has been totally cut off for a number of days.
There have also been reports that the council is running low on supplies of salt and grit. A senior engineer confirmed to us today that there are supply issues, but roads will be gritted this evening and tonight, and fresh supplies are due in tomorrow.
Meanwhile, as problems with water supplies are reported around the county, householders and keyholders are being urged to check unoccupied houses and premises for burst pipes and if necessary, shut off and drain the water system.
Mayor Cllr Brendan Byrne says the water department is under severe pressure, but crews are out in force today. Senior Executive Engineer Con Mc Laughlin says some of the major problems are being experienced in areas serviced by Lough Mourne, and also in East Inishowen, particularly in the area from Redcastle to Ishkaheen
The county council's emergency numbers are under severe pressure, people are being urged to be patient. if they are trying to report faults.
The numbers are 074 91 72288 for the roads service, and 074 91 72399 for the water service.
OceanFM says the water problems are in
"Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Rossnowlagh, Ballintra, Donegal Town, Frosses and Inver".
Original Post At Donegal Friends.
