DUBLIN AIRPORT HAS reopened this morning after being closed from mid-afternoon yesterday. The first plane is expected to take off early this morning and the airport has warned that it will be concentrating on departures – although some arrivals are due in from the US.

Some people hoping to travel to European destinations have now been stuck at the airport for four days.

Cork, Shannon and Belfast airports are operating as normal – but warn people planning to travel to check the status of their flight with the airline before going to the airport.

Road conditions are still treacherous, with widespread ice and freezing fog making conditions worse. More snow showers are expected today, although not as heavy as yesterday.

Dublin has been particularly badly hit, especially the south of the city and the southern suburbs. Last night, commuters faced treacherous commutes – with some in traffic for up to five hours.

Bus Éireann says that most services are running as normal this morning, although the 10am Dublin – Derry service has been cancelled. There are also some diversions on the Dublin – Wicklow route. Dublin Bus says that there are significant curtailments and diversions on routes; the south side of the city has been especially affected by these.

Iarnód Éireann has confirmed that full services are running for intercity, DART and commuter routes.  The Luas Red and Green lines are also operating as normal.

Mét Éireann has advised people to avoid all unnecessary travel, and to take public transport if possible.

Last night, Mét Éireann recorded temperatures of -14c in the north midlands. Today, more heavy snow is expected along the east coast, parts of the midlands, west Munster and in the north west. Daytime temperatures will range between -5c to 0c.

Meanwhile, airports in Britain  have finally begun tackling the backlog of flights, it has been reported this morning

The thaw will come later than previously expected -probably at some point on Christmas day.