TRAFFIC: Heavier than expected snow causing treacherous driving conditions across Kildare

Driving conditions are extremely poor on the M7, M9 and M4 with a thick blanket of snow on the road.

Snowfall is also affecting visibility and white line markings and signs for junctions cannot bee seen.

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Snow has got heavier and more persistent since about 3pm in parts of Co Kildare.

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Gardaí are advising road users to avoid using these stretches of road if possible.

The road at Ballyshannon Hill on the road from Athy to Kilcullen is not passable.

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Cars are turning back towards Kilcullen.

Motorway sections  closed 

Sections of the M7 and M8 were closed earlier due to very poor visibility an a number of collisions.

The AA says local gardaí are advising people to avoid parts of the M7 and M8 motorways in Laois and Kilkenny as sections of both motorways have been closed due to extremely poor driving conditions.

In Laois, the M7 is also closed at the Toll Plaza past Junction 18 following an incident there.

In Kilkenny, the M8 between junctions 3 and 4 was closed for almost an hour due to four collisions on the north and southbound carriageways.

Garda Advice

Slow down on wet roads and allow plenty of extra room between your vehicle and the one in front.

A Status Yellow Snow-Ice Warning Kildare and Leinster remains in place until 8am tomorrow.

Particular care is advised on secondary and local routes, and on higher ground, where ice and frost may linger.

Remember it takes up to ten times longer to stop on an icy road.

In affected areas, slow down, keep further back from the vehicle in front and keep all manoeuvres gentle.