Dubliners scurrying around to pick up those last-minute (yes, only about 30 days left) Christmas shopping items may be thwarted this weekend by road and rail works.
The M1 airport road, will be shut between 5 a.m. tomorrow and 5 a.m. on Sunday to facilitate the lifting of a Bailey Bridge. The road will be closed between Collins Avenue and the Coolock Interchange. Long-suffering motorists are asked to follow the diversion signs.
Rail users face the usual disruption on the DART service at the weekend. Upgrading works will close the line south of Pearse, between Grand Canal Dock and Greystones on Saturday and Sunday. No DART or Commuter services will operate as a result.
The good news is that all of the major LUAS construction works in Dublin city centre will be finished by Christmas. The bulk of the heavy work of shifting underground services and installing the Luas railtrack is nearing completion, especially in key city centre areas such as Harcourt Street, Middle Abbey Street, St. Stephen's Green and Beresford Place.
In Cork, Lower Glanmire Road is closed, and will not re-open until December 4th at least. Inbound traffic is diverted via Jack Lynch Tunnel or Mayfield on to North Ring Road.
Works on the N71 (Cork-Bandon Rd) at the Viaduct dual carriageway will see Cork city-bound traffic diverted to the west-bound carriageway, with delays expected.
Met Éireann says it will remain mostly dry and frosty over the weekend. Rain may effect eastern and southeastern areas on Sunday night.