PEOPLE have been blasted for “pure stupidity” after being left stranded in the snow at a popular beauty spot that was hit hard by the ferocious cold blast this week.
Wicklow County Council urged people to stay away from the Wicklow Mountains this week after inches of snow fell and freezing temperatures caused “treacherous” conditions in the area and left roads impassable.
The Sally Gap has been closed off to the public after cars full of people keen to take in the snowy scenery were left stuck in the snow or abandoned on the narrow roads.
Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team urged people to stay well away from the area after spending the week responding to “a number of incidents” in the area – including “stranded vehicles on impassable roads”.
The DWMRT confirmed that over the past 48 hours alone, they have had four callouts to assist with stranded vehicles in the Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap area.
And sharing a video, above, of conditions in the area, they said: “Here’s a short dash-cam view of just how treacherous the conditions are.
“Our message for the coming days is simple: Stay local, stay warm and stay safe.”
The area received heavy snow over the past few days – and there’s no sign of conditions improving anytime soon after temperatures plunged as low as -8C in some areas last night.
And Gardai also joined in the call for people to completely avoid the Wicklow Mountains as concerns grew over lingering snow, ice, frost and freezing fog.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed that they issued fines to 15 drivers who parked their cars on narrow roads around the Sally Gap.
They said: “We understand that people want to take in the snowy scenery but please help us out and be responsible. The area is impassable so please avoid, thank you.”
Wicklow County Council also urged people to stay away from the “impassable” area and confirmed that roads on higher surfaces were being cleared but elevated areas still poss the risk of “persistently treacherous” road conditions.
They warned: “All road users are urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling in elevated areas due to persistently treacherous road conditions.
“Even after weather warnings are lifted or downgraded, many roads may remain hazardous for days due to a dangerous combination of rain, sleet, snow, ice, and extremely low temperatures.
“Please avoid any unnecessary journeys to ensure your safety and the safety of others.”
‘SNOW TOURISTS’
Council bosses also warned that cars parked on the narrow roads at Sally Gap prevents gritters and other road-clearing machinery from doing their job effectively.
People on social media blasted those that had made the journey up the mountain unnecessarily, with some saying the drivers showed “no consideration” for locals in the area and another claiming they were “snow tourists”.
One said: “Inconsiderate in the extreme. No thought for the services who risk themselves to help those in genuine need. Hit where it hurts – in the pocket.”
Another added: “Some people are unbelievable and very silly.”
A third simply said: “Pure stupidity.”
Gardai issued fines to 15 drivers who parked on the narrow road at Sally Gap[/caption]
