Garda and rescue agencies have reiterated warnings to parents of children who are off school over the next three days about the dangers of activity on frozen waterways and on uplands.
A young girl who fell through ice into the lake at Loughrea in east Galway yesterday was rescued by family members and bystanders yesterday. Gardaí in Loughrea said that no emergency services were called, and they were informed after the event.
The station said it understood that the girl had a fortunate escape, but gardaí had been appealing over the past week for people to stay off the lake - to no avail.
Notices have also been erected on the lake shore, but Mr Francis Fahy of Loughrea Angling Club said he had witnessed some "crazy activity" and the northern shores were still "teeming with people".
Mr Fahy and club members have witnessed both quad bikes and motorbikes on the Loughrea waterway, which is fed by springs. "There are quite a few fracture marks, which can't been seen from above, and it is highly dangerous," Mr Fahy said.
"What people don't realise is that the lake level is falling all the time and it is really treacherous to venture onto it. Gardaí have been receiving abuse from some parents when they tried to issue warnings," he said.
Irish Water Safety (IWS), which has issued several warnings, says that cold shock can occur in any water below 15 degrees.
Widespread snowfalls across parts of Connacht at the weekend have been followed by a slight thaw, with public transport reported to be running, but with some delays, on most routes. Both Galway and Ireland West (Knock) airports are open, but with delays to some flights to and from Britain.
Galway city and county councils are still reiterating appeals for conservation of water and predict that the severe weather will continue to affect the region for several days.
Driving conditions are very difficult on untreated secondary routes, and AA Roadwatch reports the right lane of the M6 motorway between Galway and Ballinasloe is slippery.
Reservoirs are very low, due to increased demand, along with leaks, frozen pipes and people running taps at night, with cuts in supply reported in Loughrea, Rosmuc, Moycullen and Gort.
Galway County Council have provided tankers for emergency water supplies, and more details are on its website, www.galwaycoco.ie.
Both local authorities have sufficient grit for early this week, and are awaiting further deliveries of rock salt. Galway City Council is working with residents' associations on gritting estates with sand, and it has issued advice to householders on heating and protecting water tanks. It says that people who become aware of leaks or burst mains are also asked to contact their customer service at tel (091)536 400. More details on www.galwaycity.ie.
One Galway city hotel is offering rooms during the week from Monday to Thursday at €100 all in for people who are worried about trying to commute in the current weather.
