The Government is hoping the country will be back to normal by tomorrow, following days of disruption due to heavy snow and ice.
Repair works are underway to return power to thousands of customers.
Wexford remains worst affected – with 6,000 homes, farms and businesses still waiting for service to be restored.
The worst of the extreme weather has now passed, however a Status Orange snow and ice is in effect for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.
A rabbit plays in the melting snow in Dublin, 03-03-2018. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews
Met Éireann has warned that widespread lying snow and ice will continue to lead to hazardous conditions.
The National Emergency Coordination Group has warned that the thaw could lead to localized surface water ponding where drains and gulleys are blocked.
The group said that Principal Response Agencies are still in full crisis management mode in some of the worst affected areas, adding that “it is still going to take some days for conditions to improve.”
We’re going to have to get used to single lane roads for quite some time!
Lackagh Co Kildare. pic.twitter.com/43nyyO4BPa— Kildare Weather (@KildareMet) March 4, 2018
The main road network has reopened, however drivers have been warned to exercise caution and “drive at speeds appropriate to the conditions.”
Urban drivers are particularly are asked to travel at low speeds and watch for cyclists and pedestrians who may be on the road due to obstruction of footpaths.
Apologies to our customers without power. Our crews are continuing to work this morning to repair damage from #stormemma and restore power to the remaining homes, farms and businesses. Estimated restoration times are on https://t.co/cwxXH3X4kM. #staysafe pic.twitter.com/FipNfUPrPC
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) March 4, 2018
ESB teams will be working to restore power to affected homes throughout the day.
Spokesperson Conor Healy said the crews are making real progress and they also have a safety message as the thaw continues:
“The improving weather conditions obviously mean that people will start to come out and some of those people may encounter either fallen or low-hanging electricity wires,” he said.
“We would appeal to people not to approach those wires and to report them to ESB Networks at our emergency number 1850 372 999.”
You can check for real time updates on power supply issues at the ESB’s Powercheck website.
We have a central location for updates and helpful advice relating to #StormEmma and your water supply. Check out https://t.co/g6A5ly1Coe
— Irish Water (@IrishWater) March 3, 2018
Irish Water is appealing to all customers to conserve their water use.
Water supply is under pressure in some areas because of people leaving their taps running.
The increased demand has seen reservoir levels dropping and the utility has urged people to turn off their taps.
Overnight water restrictions are in place in parts of Longford, Westmeath, and Galway.
Info for Sun 4th March:
Train services expected to run on all routes except:
Connolly to Rosslare Europort
M3 Parkway to Clonsilla
Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh
(All open Monday)Also 08.30hrs Heuston to Tralee cancelled#beastfromtheast
Full info https://t.co/j2V9nUJMK6— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) March 4, 2018
The majority of public transport services are getting back to normal today – although passengers should check timetables before setting out.
Iarnród Éireann expects to run a full service on the vast majority of routes today.
The operator said its staff have worked flat out in extremely difficult conditions to clear lines and points from snow. Oscars take place tonight
The #OrangeArmy continues line clearance today, Dunboyne Station has up to eight feet of snow in places. Working to have it open for commuters tomorrow morning #BeastFromTheEast pic.twitter.com/NM31B2EwfX
— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) March 4, 2018
The majority of Bus Éireann services are operating with delays on some routes..
Expressway intercity services are operating, with some delays.
An update on the resumption of school bus services will be provided later today.
The majority of our services are back operating to a normal schedule, with some curtailments and delays - see https://t.co/aXY6WF434U https://t.co/2Whax6HwQU @rtenews @NewstalkFM @TodayFMNews #StormEmma #sneachta#beastfromtheeast
— Bus Eireann (@Buseireann) March 4, 2018
In Dublin, a full DART service has resumed.
Dublin Bus is offering a limited service while the Luas is operating on the Red Line from the Point to Red Cow. It will be mid-morning at the earliest before the Green Line service resumes.
#DBSvcUpdate Latest update of routes operating today, Sunday 4 March. #BeastFromTheEast pic.twitter.com/0xfHoITvmy
— Dublin Bus (@dublinbusnews) March 4, 2018
The Luas Green Line has now opened between Sandyford and Broombridge in both directions.
There is no service between Sandyford and Brides Glen.
The Red Line from the Point to Red Cow. There is no service from the Red Cow to Tallaght or Saggart.
Trams are leaving every 30 minutes
Flights have been taking off and landing at Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Ireland West airports, with Aer Lingus expected to operate a full schedule.
Schools
Schools colleges of further education and third level institutions are expected to re-open tomorrow where possible.
Each school will decide whether to open their doors to students or to remain closed, depending on the conditions in their area.
Parents will be informed of decisions by individual schools today.
