Work’s underway on unloading the latest shipment of gritting salt to reach the country.

4,000 tonnes – or about 20% of the total needed for the entire country for one week of gritting – is being unloaded at Foynes Port in County Limerick.

200 trucks will transport the rock salt to 17 local authorities along the West Coast from Donegal to North Cork.

The Government’s Emergency Response Committee has again been meeting to discuss how best to source and distribute new supplies of salt.

Senior Engineer with Donegal County Council Vincent Lynn told i102-104 these supplies can’t come fast enough.

“Salt supplies are critical here in Donegal; but with the salt we’re getting with the use of sand and grit – we’re managing to keep the main roads ‘passible’ – is the word we’re using” he said.

“If people take care and drive with caution, as most people do, then they will get there” he added.