AFTER A NIGHT WITH temperatures as low as minus 9, motorists and pedestrians are being warned that ice and frost persist this morning.

A slight thaw is forecast for today and over the weekend. Temperatures are expected to rise up to 7 or 9 degrees later today, but the weather is predicted to return to freezing conditions next week.

Irish Weather Online says temperatures could drop back down to minus 8 by Monday or Tuesday night.

AA Roadwatch reports this morning that a range of sub-zero temperatures have been recorded on roads around the country, and has posted updated information about travel conditions today on its website.

Gardaí are appealing to people to check up on elderly relations and neighbours throughout the cold spell. A woman in her 70s in Tuam, Co Galway is believed to have died after falling on ice outside her home.

Water was cut off across Dublin city and county again last night, and will be cut again tonight, according to Dublin City Council. Restaurant owners in Dublin have warned that they may be forced to close if the cuts continue, the Irish Times reports.

Parts of Galway, west Cork, Donegal, Meath and Wicklow are also suffering shortages and temporary supply cuts. Further information will be posted to city and council websites.

In Dublin, the Luas is operating a full service, except the Connolly stop which remains closed. Dublin Bus reports a number of curtailments and diversions to its services. There are also some delays and diversions to Bus Éireann’s services.

Irish Rail says it expects services to operate as normal today.