Flooding expected to cause traffic chaos

Motorists and commuters have been advised to allow extra time for travel this morning due to flooding in the midlands and eastern areas.

Further heavy rains overnight have left many roads impassable, with Dublin and Meath the worst-affected areas.

The Tolka River in Dublin burst its banks during the deluge, forcing the closure of roads in the Glasnevin and Drumcondra areas and flooding around 120 houses.

Gardai have advised motorists to avoid Ballybough Road, Clonliffe Road and Botanic Avenue.

Drumcondra Road and Mobhi Road remain open, but conditions are described as dangerous.

The River Liffey also burst its banks yesterday, flooding the Islandbridge, Lucan and Strawberry Beds areas, while roads in the Swords area remain closed this morning.

All routes into the capital are also reported to be treacherous.

Dublin City Council said it will assess the situation today to determine the extent of any damage and if any areas need to be pumped out.

Further rain is predicted for today, particularly in Dublin and north Leinster, but the weekend is expected to be dry.