Rain and heavy traffic expected for weekend

Those hoping for a good weekend following the fine weather of today and yesterday will be disheartened to learn that rain reaching…

Those hoping for a good weekend following the fine weather of today and yesterday will be disheartened to learn that rain reaching Munster and Connacht tomorrow morning will spread to all parts later in the day.

The rain will be heavy at times with a risk of local flooding. Southeasterly winds will gust up to 40 or 50 m.p.h.

The weather will ease slightly on Sunday with some bright or sunny spells expected. However, there will be blustery showers, some of which will be heavy or prolonged.

Major construction work will operate on the M1 between the Coolock Interchange and Collins Ave until September 2nd in preparation for the demolition of the existing Shantalla Bridge to facilitate the construction of the entrance and exit to Dublin Port Tunnel.

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From 10 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Monday, the following restrictions apply: The existing Shantalla Bridge will still be in operation. The M1/N1 will be open to traffic but a five metre height restriction will apply.

The Shantalla QBC/Citybound slip road will not be closed off as originally planned. This means buses and Taxis will be able to use the slip Road. The QBC/ Citybound slip road will be closed off next weekend instead from 10 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Monday. There will be road surfacing/Carraigeway tie-in works to temporary bridge. Road Markings will be altered.

Tomorrow's All-Ireland Football quarter-final replay at Croke Park between Dublin and Donegal will, despite the poor weather, attract a large crowd. AA Roadwatchhave warned that there will be delays on routes from Donegal to Dublin. That match starts at 5 p.m.

A large crowd is also expected at tomorrow’s other replay in Navan, between Sligo and Armagh. Fans from Armagh, Donegal and Sligo will all be travelling along the N3 until Navan and very heavy traffic is expected. The throw in at Navan is at 5.15 p.m.

Parking in the Croke Park area is prohibited and cars parked illegally are liable to be clamped or impounded. It should be noted that parking will not be available in Clonliffe College. Extensive car parking is available in St. Josephs School on Grace Park Road in Drumcondra. There will also be parking in O' Connell Schools on North Circular Road with a special area reserved for wheelchair supporters. Extensive parking is also available in the O' Connell Street area in the Marlborough St and the Parnell Centre with special long-term rates for the day.

The Guinness All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi final between Kilkenny and Tipperary takes place at Croke Park on Sunday at 3.30 p.m. Expect delays on the N9 from Co Kilkenny and the N8 from Co Tipperary.

The rain soaked ground could well mean a muddy day for those travelling to the free O2 concert in the Phoenix Park in Dublin on Sunday. Over 100,000 are expected to attend the concert which begins at midday and runs until 8 p.m. Dublin Bus will be operating a shuttle service from George’s Quay to the Phoenix monument in the Phoenix Park for the duration of this concert, between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Acts include Ronan Keating, Six, Samantha Mumba and Lulu.