Delays have eased in Cork, Limerick and Waterford cities in the wake of recent flooding, but water tables may still rise and warnings remain in place along the lower Shannon River.
A Met Éireann spokesman predicted a drier weekend but said flooding was ongoing and independent of rainfall as water tables were continuing to rise. AA Roadwatch has urged vigilance on wet roads with extra surface water.
In Co Clare, flood warnings remain in Clonlara, Westbury and Shannon Banks. The bridge at Sixmilebridge has reopened to traffic. HGVs should continue to use an alternative route. A number of roads remain closed, including the Old Cratloe Road just off the N18 at the Radisson Hotel near the Clare to Limerick border.
In Co Galway, the N18 Galway to Ennis Road is still closed between Gort and Ardrahan. The diversion via Craughwell and Loughrea will cause lengthy delays.
Single-lane traffic is in operation on the N65 at the Ferry Bridge in Portumna, the N17 Tuam Road has reopened at Claregalway and the N6 has reopened at Ballinasloe. As a result, the unfinished M6 Ballinasloe bypass is closed again.
Galway bus services northwards are operating with slight delays. Galway services southwards are operating with delays of up to 40 minutes.
In Co Limerick, the only passable route into Castleconnell is via Daly's Cross on the N7 Dublin to Limerick Road.
Flood levels are beginning to show signs of receding on the N4 in Leitrim. However, a stop-go system remains in place on the Dublin to Sligo Road near Drumsna and both ways through Carrick-on-Shannon. Motorists are advised to avoid Leitrim village.
The N63 Longford to Galway Road has fully reopened at the Railway Bridge in Longford Town. Further along this route, the road has fully reopened at Athleague.
In Co Cavan, the N3 Butlers Bridge to Belturbert Road is still closed at Bunn. Divert via the N54 to Gannons Cross and onto the Belturbet Road (R197).
Due to flooding, trains are suspended from Athlone to Roscommon on the Dublin to Westport line, Limerick to Ennis and Carrick-on-Shannon to Longford on the Sligo to Dublin line. Bus transfers are in operation. Expect delays between 20 and 45 minutes.
The Arklow to Gorey line has reopened after an embankment was stabilised next to the line south of Arklow.
Special trains will operate on Saturday from Cork to Dublin Heuston and Belfast to Dublin Connolly for the Croke Park rugby match against South Africa. Corporate stalls open at 12pm, public stalls open at 12.30pm and the match starts at 2.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport which will bring them within 15 minutes walk of the stadium. The stadium is situated in a residential area with limited parking.
Parking charges will be suspended in Dublin’s designated retail zone after 2pm. This will continue every Thursday to Sunday until December 27th. Expect a dry but cold Saturday with possible isolated showers.
Those attending the annual Patrick Kavanagh weekend in Inniskeen, Co Monaghan, can expect similar weather offering opportunity to enjoy the bus and walking tours of Kavanagh country between scheduled events.