Man arrested after car driven the wrong way on M8 motorway in Cork

Gardaí were forced to shut access to the northbound carriageway, and also close northbound traffic at the M8 toll plaza for a period

During the alleged incident of dangerous driving, gardaí took 'proactive action' to warn other road users of the danger 'without endangering themselves'. Picture: Denis Minihane

A man has been arrested after a car was driven the wrong way on a section of the M8 motorway in Cork on Wednesday night.

During the alleged incident of dangerous driving, gardaí took "proactive action" to warn other road users of the danger "without endangering themselves".

They were forced to shut access to the northbound carriageway, and also close northbound traffic at the M8 toll plaza in Fermoy for a period.

A man, aged in his 60s, has been arrested by gardaí in relation to this incident. He is currently being held at a garda station in Cork county.

Gardaí said the incident did not lead to any collision or further serious incidents.

They are now appealing for witnesses to come forward. 

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: " Anyone who was travelling between junctions 9 and 17 on the M8 motorway from 9pm to 10pm last night is asked to contact An Garda Síochána.

"Anyone with information or video/ dashcam footage regarding this incident is asked to contact Fermoy Garda Station on 025 82100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."

Junction 9 northbound is a turn-off for Tipperary, Cashel and Holycross while Junction 17 is the exit for Watergrasshill in Co Cork.