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WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL has warned motorists that the Sally Gap area is closed to all vehicles, as roads across the Wicklow mountains have been plagued by hazardous driving conditions following heavy snow over the last few days.
Wicklow’s mountain rescue teams issued warnings on Monday asking motorists to stay away from Wicklow Mountains National Park for several days, with the Sally Gap particularly treacherous following significant snowfall accumulations on Sunday and Monday.
Local rescue organisation Glen of Imaal Wicklow Mountain Rescue said in a post online that their volunteers had been tasked to assist over a dozen people stuck in multiple vehicles on impassable roads in the Wicklow Mountains on Monday alone.
A Glen of Imaal Rescue spokesperson added that while local volunteers are “here to help”, people attempting to drive throught the area “need to take some personal responsibility”.
“This weather warning is well advertised and is due to continue for a number of days,” the rescue organisation said in a post online.
“Taking your family on impassable roads, during a weather warning, in vehicles not suitable for the conditions is just idiotic. Please take the warnings seriously.”
Wicklow County Council said yesterday that the Sally Gap Road is closed to all vehicles, and urged drivers to avoid the area “for your safety”.
“Please do not endanger members of our emergency services, who will have to attempt to rescue people who ignore the warning signs,” a council spokesperson said.
“The road will reopen when it is safe to do so.”
Speaking to The Journal, Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team spokesperson and emergency medical technician Philip Connolly said that while the group understood the urge to visit the snowy mountain areas, accidents can happen.
“As mountaineers ourselves, we understand that people want to get out and enjoy the snow, but we ask that people check and heed the warnings from Met Éireann and don’t underestimate the conditions,” Connolly said.
“While the main arteries for local villages have been cleared by the Council, any of the main roads through the mountains are impassable in this weather, even for well-equipped vehicles. Conditions might seem fine initially but can deteriorate quickly.”
Connoly explained that the Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team had been called out to several weather-related road incidents since Saturday.
He added that during one rescue in the Wicklow mountains on Sunday night, the team’s 4X4 all-terrain vehicle was unable to make it to the scene of the incident due to the heavy snow, meaning his team was forced to hike the last kilometre of the journey on foot.
“We advise people to be cautious and avoid getting themselves into a situation they can’t get out of. For anyone venturing into the hills, make sure to make a plan, have the right gear, and stay within your experience level.
“You can do everything right in this weather and it can still go wrong for you, so just be careful and ensure that you always have a safe way out”.
A Status Orange low temperature and ice warning remains in effect in the county until Friday morning, as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in Wicklow tonight.
Wicklow County Council also warned that even after weather warnings are lifted or downgraded, many roads may remain hazardous for days due to a dangerous combination of rain, sleet, snow, ice, and extremely low temperatures.
Those who do run into issues are urged to call 112 or 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue, whose volunteers are on hand to respond 24/7.
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Get rid of thortons in ballyfermot next.
Given it has been 37 years from one report suggesting their might be slightly increased risk to children getting Lukemia I don’t think another 40-50years is going to find it is certain. They aren’t pretty is reason enough but health concerns are in the tin foil hat area.
Yes, they are as ugly as fcuk. They should put them underground.
And Ballyfermot too.
Put Ballyfermot underground? Joe Duffy might have something to say about that.
Plenty in Neilstown and Clondalkin that sit beside people’s houses too. Won’t be moved because it’s not middle class?
Alan these pylons wouldn’t have been moved if it wasn’t for the likes of Microsoft and Google funding the project. They did not move these because of the public outcry that’s for sure.
These pylons are being moved because they’re looking to put in a few thousand homes as part of the Clonburris SDZ. If you think traffic is bad now wait until that land is developed.
http://www.sdcc.ie/services/planning/strategic-development-zones/clonburris-sdz-2016
I would be more concerned about those dodgy pedestrian crossings in adamstown. Accident waiting to happen, especially as you head towards schools.
You should see the fields beside Labre Park in Dublin. 5km from the city centre. This is not an affluent area so the pylons remain.
Google Labre Park and then go to images.
Now:
Why not complete the task and remove Adamstown and Lucan?
No tourist would ever wander into such ugly places.
Why would a tourist go visit any suburb? Is this a new qualification of a suburban, whether a place is a tourist attraction?
Why would you say Adamstown is ugly, it’s won numerous architectural awards? Anything in particular(apart from pylon) or are you just showing your ignorance?
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Fascinating that Neanderthal Man and woman still lives on in Dublin.
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It would be interesting to see what happens when the power goes off from their trashy Coronation Street and Eastenders television shows.
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Did people knowingly move here with the pylons or did they get out in after the houses?? Not clear from the post.
How did they get planning to build residential units so close to pylons ? Oh wait never mind.
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is artificial.
The Mona Lisa is artificial.
Genius is Man-Made.
Just like Wi-iFi masts.
have your say