Drivers commuting to Dublin from Wicklow this morning experienced major delays when they were caught up in traffic jams caused by a number of crashes.
A serious crash on the N11 between Arklow and Wicklow town completely blocked the main route into the capital at 6.30am until it was cleared just before 8am.
When traffic started to move an hour later past Wicklow town, Dublin commuters found themselves stopped again due to two crashes in the Bray area; one at Bray exit and one at the Rathmichael exit.
Traffic was backed up as far as Glen of the Downs as a result.
AA Roadwatch also reported delays for drivers attempting to avoid the N11 tail back by diverting through Rathdrum, but found themselves blocked by a crash outside Rathdrum cemetery involving a truck and van.
Frustrated commuters who reached the M50 then found delays from Dundrum and drivers who went via Eniskerry were delayed by a crash at Lambs Cross.
AA Roadwatch controller, Nicola Hudson said the accidents could have been the result of drivers trying to
rush to
work as a result of the delays.
"We often see
cases of smaller accidents coming out of a major one," she told
ireland.com.
Her advice to drivers is, "if you are caught in a tailback, don't try to make up for lost time. Drive carefully. Speed is still the biggest killer".
Meanwhile, the weather
is set to remain windy thorughout the country over the weekend.
The search and rescue operation for seven trawler men off the south east coast at Dunmore East will have to contend with strong winds for most of the next 24 hours, according to Met Éireann.
Winds are expected to ease off during Saturday night into Sunday morning.
All scheduled ferry crossings with both Irish Ferries and Stena Line are expected to run on time today.
AA Roadwatch
are warning
of a one-way system
on the N11 at Ferns in Wexford over
the weekend, which will be in place there from 8am to 6pm Saturday, Monday and possibly into
Tuesday.