Snow Across The Country, Ireland 1978

Nationwide snowfall with the north west of the country the worst affected.

In Sligo town, there were deep snow drifts and impassable roads. Many trucks were abandoned at Rathcormac as the snow froze and road conditions worsened. Conditions in Galway are worsening too with heavy snow. Sheep farmers fear the loss of lambs in the snow with difficult grazing conditions. Racing was called off at Fairyhouse Racecourse in County Meath. This was just one of many sporting events cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
While the weather provides fun and games for children, it has made life difficult for motorists and older people. Most of the main roads around Dublin remained opened and the city centre was not badly disrupted by the snow. Not far away in Bray, a CIÉ bus collided with a lamppost on a steep hill. Trains too experienced delays with snow jamming some of the points along the railway lines.

Bus services have been badly disrupted all over the country.

The Met office is forecasting further snow especially in the south of the country with some towns cut off. The also say that the snow is freezing and slush is turning to ice creating further hazards on the roads. High ground in many parts of the country has been worst affected.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 11 February 1978. The reporter is Derek Davis.