Snowfall and local rail closures adding to challenges in aftermath of Storm Éowyn
The road between Elphin and Carrick-on-Shannon blocked by a fallen tree at The Lodge, approximately three miles from Carrick. Picture: Gerry Faughnan
Snow and the closure of local rail networks are among the extra challenges facing people from County Roscommon in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn on Saturday.
As the clean-up gets underway to restore power to thousands of home and businesses, snow fell overnight in some parts of the county.
Temperatures dipped well below freezing in many parts, adding an extra layer of difficulty to those without heat in the aftermath of the storm.
Irish Rail has announced that there will be no train services on the Sligo to Dublin line as a result of widespread power outages and fallen trees on the line.
Bus transfers have been arranged to operate the 11.05 Connolly to Sligo service and 11.05 Sligo to Connolly service.
Bus services are also in operation between Westport and Athlone, with a train connection to Heuston.
There are delays on the Dublin to Galway line due to widespread outages at level crossings.
Amenities like Lough Key Forest Park and the Arigna Mining Experience in the north of the county will not be opening on Saturday.
As businesses begin to reopen after one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the country, which claimed the life of 20-year-old Kacper Dudek in Raphoe, County Donegal, some organisations have made their facilities available to people to have access to hot water and charge their phones.
St. Brigid’s GAA Club in Kiltoom have opened their community room and kitchen to the public since 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon Town has appealed to people in Roscommon Town and its environs “not to feel stranded”, adding that it would keep its “doors open and lights on” to facilitate people impacted by the storm.
More wind and rain is forecast on Sunday, but the strength of the winds forecast will be nothing compared to Friday morning's historic storm.
