Motorists have been warned to avoid driving near the Wicklow mountains because of dangerous road conditions.

Gardai appealed for people not to travel around the Sallygap, Glenmalure and Aughavanna as emergency services have no access to the areas.

AA Roadwatch said conditions are also icy on secondary routes in Ulster, Connaught and Leinster.

Assistant Garda commissioner Kevin Ludlow earlier advised all road users to be wary of the dangers when driving.

"It is important to realise the conditions differ significantly right across the country and indeed the overnight thaw has probably left some of the roads in a more aggravated condition," he said.

Met Eireann forecasts the cold snap will continue over the coming days, with falls of rain and sleet everywhere overnight.

In the Mid West region, drivers were also urged to drive with extreme caution as heavy snowfall is expected to lead to extremely difficult conditions.

Clare County Council said seven road gritting crews had been covering 580kms of road network during the Christmas period.

The Mayor of Clare, Councillor Tony Mulcahy, called on residents to ensure elderly neighbours were kept warm and had enough food during the cold weather.

"Older people, particularly those living in isolated areas, are more vulnerable during colder spells of weather," he said.