With severe weather conditions, in particular ice, snow and severe cold the key public safety messages are as follows:

During the Orange Warning, Kerry County Council will be operating its Severe Weather Helpline on 066 718 3588

Please note that grit stocks have been replenished and grit is available at the locations shown at the bottom of this page:

Renewed road safety appeal ahead of freezing temperatures (7/1/25)

As the cold spell continues, and with temperatures set to plummet tonight, freezing fog and frost are expected to pose hazards for motorists and vulnerable road users.

Kerry County Council is renewing its appeal for people to be extra cautious and prepared if using the road. Fog, coupled with icy roads and footpaths can prove hazardous for road users in terms of visibility and mobility.  

Kerry County Council’s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh said: “Where possible, motorists should remain on treated routes and only make journeys which are necessary. Extra care should be taken when approaching or emerging from junctions. Motorists are also being urged to watch out for pedestrians near crossings and allow them extra time to cross a road carefully and safely.”

A hard freeze which is forecast over the next three nights is expected to result in icy conditions and slippery surfaces. Mr. Keogh added: “Pedestrians are advised to wear appropriate footwear while walking, take small, short steps and keep their hands free from pockets. This will help with their balance or in the event of a near slip, trip or fall. We would also urge people to look at their route ahead, and if they need to cross a road, assess the area and choose the safest place to cross, and watch the road as you cross.”

Driving / Transport / Travel:

• Wintry showers and icy surfaces will lead to difficult travel conditions
• Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey
• Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous / slippery due to ice 
• People travelling long journeys check weather/ road conditions not just where they are starting from, but at their destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.

•  Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112
• If driving – do not rely on Sat Nav technology as it may not be aware of weather conditions on your route, may route you over higher ground more likely to be impassable,
  and will not be aware which roads might be treated.
• Never undertake journeys on roads which have been closed by the Council or Gardaí.
• Check with public transport providers about their services prior to commencing your journey.

Preparations:

• Check in on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
• The Be Winter Ready website https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/aa78b9-be-winter-ready provides further advice on preparing for severe weather.
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information.
  Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
• Farmers are advised to take all precautions when dealing with livestock and possibly working alone

Utilities

• ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.
• Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278.
  People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie.
• People are advised to conserve water, and visit https://www.water.ie for advice

Communications:

• Kerry County Council provides updates on impacts via local and national media and on our various social media channels
  • Facebook
  • Twitter / X
  • Bluesky
  • Mastodon (also via kerrycoco.ie)
• Please Tag or Share with us any hazards you become aware of on our social media platforms (when safe to do so).
• Radio Kerry can be a very good local information resource for people who don’t use social media.
• Call 999/112 where there is an emergency.

 Community Groups can provide resilience in the locality during the upcoming severe weather. How can community groups help?

The resilience of our communities has been assured by the actions of community groups and organisations during COVID and other crises in the past.
Community groups can also help in the upcoming severe weather episode.

• Remember, not everyone will have access to digital resources due to broadband issues, digital literacy, etc. so it might be helpful to reach out to vulnerable people in your local community over the next 24 hours to explain that there is a wintery weather spell starting tomorrow and they can both prepare for that and stay safe.
• Encourage preparations with elderly and vulnerable people before the severe weather impacts are present.
  This might include helping with stock shopping / deliveries and ensuring they have fuel and basic provisions so they don’t have to venture out during the severe weather.
• Encourage people in your community not to take journeys which aren’t essential.
• Check in with vulnerable neighbours / community members in a way that is safe. For example, a phone call or message might prevent a journey on an icy road!
• Kerry County Council will provide 6mm stone sandy grit, which can assist in vehicular traction, in over 100 locations across the County which individuals and communities can utilise.

Map of Salting Routes

 

Please note that grit stocks have been replenished at the following locations around the county:

Killarney MD

• Shrone Church
• Ballyhar Church
• Tangneys Cross, Kilcummin
• Former Sara Lee Factory, Killarney Town
• Rathmore Creamery
• Glounonea Grotto
• Artigallivan ( near Knockanes School)
• Listry GAA field
• Barleymount Lay-by (near Killeen House Hotel)

 

Listowel MD

Listowel West

• Abbeydorney G.A.A. grounds
• Ballyduff Church Car park
• Causeway G.A.A. grounds
• Lixnaw community centre
• Kilflynn. At the side of Parkers Bar near bottle banks
• Ballybunion Fire Station
• Kilmoyly Church Yard
• Ballyheigue Communiy Centre

 

Listowel East

• Neo Data, Listowel Town
• Listowel Fire Station
• Ahavoher Cemetry, Moyvane
• Lisselton – bottle Banks near Tomaisin’s bar
• Asdee – near bottle banks
• Tarbert – On the Glin Road near Sensory Garden
• Ballylongford – at Reilig Mhichíl cemetery
• Moyvane – by G.A.A. grounds
• Duagh – Car park in community centre
• Finuge – by G.A.A. grounds
• Mountcoal – St Senan’s G.A.A.

 

Kenmare MD

Killorglin Area

• Killorglin KCC Compound Cromane Cross
• Killorglin Annadale Road Carpark
• Beaufort Churchtown Burial Ground Carpark
• Milltown GAA Pitch
• Castlemaine Pier Carpark
• Ballyfinnane Parking Area at River Maine Bridge
• Cromane Burial Ground Carpark
• Glencar Acoose Lake Quarry Carpark
• Gap of Dunloe Carpark
• Glenbeigh Greenway Carpark

 

Kenmare Area

• Kenmare – Pier Rd.
• Sneem – N70 at Junction of Ouriegh Rd
• Kilgarvan – bottle banks R569
• Bonane – Between Bonane Church N71 and Bonane NS
• Lauragh – Lauragh Church R571
• Blackwater – Direendaragh Church
• Templenoe – Templenoe Church

 

Caherciveen Area

• Cahersiveen – Castlequin Car Park (Over the water)
• Killeenleigh National School
• Waterville N70 Inny Bridge
• Caherdaniel Car Park (adjacent to Lambs Head junction)
• Castlecove – Church Car Park
• Ballinskelligs – Ballinskelligs football field
• Portmagee – GAA Field
• Knightstown – Playground Car Park (Cratloe)
• Gortnaforia, Kells
• Foilmore GAA pitch

 

Tralee MD

Tralee Town

• Matt Talbot Car Park
• Muing/Oakpark Road Junction
• Castlemorris Terrace
• Aquadome Car Park.
• Shanakill.
• Rahoonane.
• Caherina Cross
• Rathass Burial Ground (Ballinorig side).
• The Mart
• Spa Road

Tralee Rural

• Leith Cross
• Tonevane Cross
• Derrymore / Camp
• Ardfert Graveyard.
• Fenit Village.
• Spa / Tankard Bar.

 

Castleisland/Corca Dhuibhne MD

Castleisland

• Knocknaboul Cross, Ballydesmond
• Glountane Bridge, Cordal
• Cahereens, Castleisland
• Quarry Cross, Gneeveguilla
• Glounsharoon, Castleisland

Dingle West

• Ballinvownig Depot
• Ventry Beach Carpark
• Fheothanach near the Cuinne Pub
• Ballyferriter Cross
• Lispole Church
• Dunquin – Across From Krugers Pub

Dingle East

• Across from The Junction Bar Camp
• Inch Church Car Park
• Boolteens Church Car Park
• The Painted Wall Keel
• Stradbally Creamery
• Kilmore Cross
• Castlegregory Primary School