Tag Archives: ice

In a very well-timed move, given our recent weather, Škoda have announced that their Octavia is now available with four wheel drive in hatchback form. Previously, this drivetrain was only available as an estate. The new hatchback cuts the entry-point price by €1,100. The market for 4WD models in Ireland is heavily weather dependent. During the cold snap in 2012, Škoda 4×4 sales increased fivefold as a direct consequence of the severe weather the previous winter. With the last few mild winters, interest in 4WD has decreased, but it only takes a bit of snow and ice for the market to sit up and take notice again. Like the existing estate, the Octavia 4×4 uses a Haldex electronic clutch to provide permanent all wheel drive. During normal driving, power is sent to the front wheels only to save fuel. If conditions dictate, power can instantly be sent to the back axle also avoiding the risk of a skid. The system …

Age Action is urging communities to play their part to ensure that their older neighbours remain safe and well in their homes as Met Eireann forecasts snowy and icy conditions countrywide today (Tuesday). Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said, “Snow and ice make that challenge even greater as many older people may not be able to get out to buy food, fuel or medical supplies.” Met Eireann is forecasting accumulations of up to 8cm of snow in some parts of the country and hail, sleet and icy conditions in other areas. “If there is an older person living in your neighbourhood we would encourage you tovisit or phone them to check if they need supplies and that they are okay – don’t depend on others to do it,” Mr Timmins said. ” We are urging older people not to venture out in slippery and dangerous conditions. But if they are to take this advice, they may need help from neighbours …

THE Feakle Festival’s enduring legacy is its commitment to the best in Irish traditional music and this year’s programme is no exception. From ICE, an ensemble of concertinas, the dulcet harmonies of Lumiere, accordion great Donal Murphy and his band to Feakle’s own Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, there is much to choose from. “Music with heart, music with soul, music to inspire, music with fun and laughter, that’s what we look for when putting our programme together,” Gary Pepper, festival director, said. One of the most notable performances at this year’s event is the second performance ever of ICE The Irish Concertina Ensemble, a new departure in Irish music. ICE brings together five master concertina players in Tim Collins, Pádraig Rynne, Mícheál O’Raghallaigh, Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Edel Fox. This innovative group’s performance in Feakle will include the premiere recital of newly-composed material by Tim Collins. Tim, a native of West Limerick, resides in Crusheen and is a well-known …

TEMPERATURES dropped overnight, leading to icy conditions on many roads in both rural and urban areas across the county.  Motorists have been urged to reduce speed and drive with caution as, with early morning temperatures just above zero, ice is likely to remain in sheltered areas for some time. Any rainfall could make conditions even worse.