Weather leads to cancellation of official motorway opening

The final stretch of the M7 motorway from Dublin to Limerick is due to open at midday, but the official ceremony has been postponed because of the weather.

The section from Castletown to Nenagh bypasses Roscrea, Moneygall and Toomevara.

Construction workers attempted to prevent the opening with protests until they were paid for six weeks outstanding work.

The action centred on a dispute over monies between the main contractor, Laois County Council and the National Roads Authority.

The stretch of motorway was due to start taking traffic last Friday, but an agreement between the three parties was only reached late last week.