Snowstorm chaos in Tipperary as schools closed, bingos cancelled and ponies missing

Snowstorm chaos in Tipperary has seen schools closed, bingos cancelled and roads left impassable across the county as snow accumulations continued to rise into Sunday evening. 

Several schools have announced they will not be re-opening on Monday due to the severe weather conditions - including Presentation Ballingarry Secondary School, Presentation Secondary School Thurles, Rockwell College and Cashel Community School. 

Meanwhile, bingo nights from Cashel to Ballingarry and Moyglass have been called off as well as the Anner Hotel Wedding Showcase event on Sunday due to the snow storm. 

Many shops are closed and supermarkets are closing their doors early to allow staff to get home. 

READ MORE: BREAKING: Tipperary grocery shop 'sells out of bread' and to remain closed on Sunday

The council has said road conditions will remain very difficult on Monday and "well into next week" and the snow and freezing temperatures has led to traffic chaos with incidents up and down the country. 

Cllr Imelda Goldsboro also asked if anyone is missing three ponies (pictured below) in the Urard/Gorthnahoe/Urlingford area.

READ MORE: Tree down on one of the busiest roads in Tipperary linking it with Kilkenny

The council statement said: "Due to the ongoing snow/ice event across Tipperary driving condition are very difficult across the county and across our entire road network.

"Many local routes are impassable with routes on higher ground particularly difficult.

"These difficult driving conditions include roads and routes salted under our winter salting programme. These routes are passable but drivers should drive at an appropriate speed to match the conditions."

The statement added: "The road conditions will remain very difficult on Monday and well into next week with a sharp cold snap forecast."

READ MORE: No Sunday lunch at popular Tipperary restaurant and cars abandoned

Key Public Safety Messages:

Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.

Drivers travelling longer journeys are advised to be aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.

Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so I’d advise people to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.

Take extra care while walking: footpaths etc. can be extremely hazardous/slippery due to ice
Check on elderly, vulnerable and isolated neighbours

Keep your phone charged and take it with you on all journeys. In an emergency dial 999 or 112

People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.

Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.

ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitorwww.PowerCheck.ie.

Uisce Éireann Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via our 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - seewww.water.ie.