Plea to drivers after day of chaos

The serious traffic disruption in Dublin yesterday morning, which was caused by building work at the top of Dawson Street, should ease today if diversions are followed, according to Dublin Corporation.

Delays on Dawson Street and St Stephen's Green on the south side of the city centre had a knock-on effect in outlying areas such as Terenure at peak times yesterday as a result of work being carried out on an extension at the rear of the La Stampa restaurant.

The work began on Sunday and is expected to continue until next Tuesday, although Dublin Corporation's director of traffic, Mr Owen Keegan, said he was confident that it would be completed before that date.

Mr Keegan acknowledged the inconvenience caused to motorists throughout yesterday and cited the bad weather as a factor in the level of congestion.

"We would acknowledge that there were very serious problems this morning, which resulted in very significant congestion. The morning was unfortunate because of the exceptionally heavy rainfall and we have no doubt that contributed to the situation", he said. "Hopefully by tomorrow [Tuesday] the weather will have improved, people using the roads will understand how the diversions work, and others will take alternative routes."

With the southern end of Dawson Street closed, northbound traffic on St Stephen's Green is being diverted down Kildare Street and Molesworth Street, while southbound traffic on Kildare Street is confined to one lane.

Motorists on St Stephen's Green West are asked to keep to the two traffic lanes provided and to avoid moving into the cordoned-off area. Traffic turning left into Kildare Street should keep to the outer of the two lanes.

Mr Keegan emphasised that it was particularly important for drivers to observe yellow-box restrictions and to avoid blocking junctions.