The weather has been playing havoc.
Heavy rainfall throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday has impacted on the condition of roads throughout the country, with excess surface water and flooding reported in many areas.
On Wednesday afternoon, Gardaí warned that two main roads into Dublin have been seriously affected, with one lane blocked on the M4 outbound near Maynooth at Junction 4 and diversions in place on the N3 Blanchardstown.
Shortly after 5pm, meanwhile, Gardaí issued an update to reveal that two lanes are currently flooded on the Chapelizod bypass outbound at Con Colbert Road.
Local authorities are at the scene, but long delays are anticipated on M4/N4 westbound as a result of flooding. Motorists are requested to delay their journey, take alternative routes where possible or use public transport if possible.
#KILDARE Left lane of the #M4 Dublin/Sligo Rd westbound impassable at J7 Maynooth. Take extreme care using the right lane. https://t.co/pdsEzJTRQr (Photo – @M50Dublin ) pic.twitter.com/h4kxpHqDOk
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) November 22, 2017
The N3, which had been closed from Clonee Junction 4 inbound, reopened shortly before 5pm on Wednesday but traffic remains heavy in the area.
#MEATH #DUBLIN N3 Navan Rd has reopened inbound at J4 Clonee folllowing flooding. Traffic remains heavy on approach to the closure https://t.co/PSzIBsvOzE
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) November 22, 2017
An earlier collision on the M50 at Junction 6 Northbound, meanwhile, has now been cleared.
Gardaí are advising motorists that if the road ahead is flooded to please use alternative routes if possible and stressed that motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads, which might appear shallow, but could be deeper than one might think.
A mere half a foot of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult and it takes just a foot of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
Gardaí warned motorists to take extra care at night when it is harder to see flood dangers and to drive to the road conditions.
A list of roads affected by flooding, most of which are in Leinster, can be viewed on the AA Roadwatch website.
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