Clare County Council has been urged to ensure an adequate level of winter road maintenance is undertaken across the county during the coming week.

Local TD Tony Killeen said sub zero air temperatures will present dangers to motorists and pedestrians.

Met Eireann is predicting that Clare will experience severe air frosts up to and including the weekend with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above freezing. Forecasts of snow showers are also likely to exacerbate the situation.

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Mr Killeen said: "As part of the national roads budget the Department of Transport allocates to local authorities each year, it includes a provision for winter road maintenance. It is critically important that the Council actively grits national and regional roads across Clare.

"I would ask the local authority to ensure special attention is paid to gritting heavily trafficked routes in order to reduce the maximum number of accidents possible. Gritting icy roads will save lives."

He added: "Where possible the council should also grit footpaths so as pedestrians, particularly the elderly, do not suffer injury as a result of the icy conditions. I wish to commend the council staff who undertake such work in poor weather and driving conditions and during unsociable hours."

(PR/JM)