The Environment Minister Phil Hogan has officially opened the Portlaoise Southern Circular Route.

Motorists were rescued from trapped cars and hundreds of houses were damaged after record levels of rainfall caused freak flash flooding across Dublin.

Motorists are being urged to drive with extreme care this morning as many roads are awash with water after flash flooding.

Motorists are being warned to take extra care on the roads this evening with flash flooding in many areas.

Gardaí in Co Laois are seeking witnesses to a collision which occurred this morning.