Gardaí were in pursuit of one of the cars involved in a three-car crash on the M50 yesterday evening.
Gardaí were following the car from a distance, before the male driver turned into junction 15 of the M50 and continued to drive northbound on the southbound road.
The car was involved in the three-car crash between junction 15 and junction 14 at abound 8pm. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital where he remains in a serious condition.
Six people, including three children, were also taken to Tallaght Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital but are not in a serious condition.
It is not known why gardaí were in pursuit of the man.
The incident was referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission by the Garda Commissioner under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
Five ambulances were in attendance as well as three fire engines. The road was brought to a standstill for some time following the incident.