Cork County Council to Treat Priority Routes Tonight as Cold Weather Continues

Cork County Council has confirmed it will treat all Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes across the county tonight in response to forecast freezing conditions.

The local authority issued the update this evening, advising motorists to exercise caution on all roads despite the planned gritting operations. The Council emphasised that drivers should never assume a road has been treated, even on priority routes.

Priority Route System

Priority 1 routes include all National Roads in Cork County, including the N20, N22, N25, N28, N71, N72 and N73. These routes are designated as essential to be kept serviceable in all weather conditions and receive treatment during all weather events.

Priority 2 routes include major Regional and Local Roads such as the R513, R522, R571, R579, R639 and numerous local roads serving towns and villages across the county. These routes are treated on nights where widespread ice or frost on roads is anticipated.

Priority 3 routes are post-salted as resources allow and receive intermittent treatment during certain weather events.

Community Grit and Salt Bins

Grit is available at multiple locations across the county for use by local communities. Stockpiles have been established in rural areas, with supplies replenished as required by contacting Municipal District Engineer's Offices.

Salt bins are also available to Residents' Associations and Community Groups on a shared funding basis. An 800-litre bin with lock and initial fill of salt is provided for €50, representing an 80% subsidy of the actual cost. Only one bin per estate is provided, with locations agreed with the Municipal District Engineer.

The Council deals only with bona fide Residents' Associations or Community Councils who are prepared to take responsibility for the bin, its contents and spreading of salt.

Safety Reminder

Cork County Council has reminded motorists that spreading salt does not guarantee ice-free road surfaces. In freezing conditions, drivers should always exercise extra caution, even on treated routes.

The winter service period runs from mid-October to the end of April, with the Council maintaining Ireland's largest road network at 12,130km, comprising 391km of National Roads and 11,739km of Regional and Local Roads.

Full details of priority routes, treatment maps and grit locations are available in Cork County Council's Winter Service Plan 2025-2026.