The National Safety Council has warned motorists to take extra care over the weekend as heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to combine to make driving hazardous.
Responding to a weather advisory issued by Met Éireann today, the NSC said the expected rainfall already experienced earlier in the week will result in reduced visibility, flooding and slippery road surfaces.
Met Éireann says a vigorous depression will approach from the southwest and will move across the country later on Sunday. It will be preceded by a spell of persistent and heavy rain spreading north eastwards on Saturday night and during Sunday and will be followed through to Monday by further rain or heavy showers, with thundery downpours in places.
Winds will increase strong and very gusty easterly on Sunday. Rainfall accumulations of some 50 mm or more may be seen over the two weeks.
A spokesman for the National Safety Council urged motorists to read the road and to adjust their speed to the prevailing conditions and to allow extra distance between their vehicles and the one in front.
It also asked motorists to use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility, to check tyres to ensure minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm and to ensure correct tyre pressures.
Motorists are also urged to look out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and to "expect the unexpected".
Such vulnerable road users were also urged to make sure they can be seen and to wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt; they should also walk on footpaths or on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic, if there is no footpath.
Motorcyclists are advised to check weather broadcasts before making any journey.
In other traffic and travel news, Brittany Ferries has advised passengers that it has cancelled tomorrow's sailing from Cork to Roscoff due to technical difficulties.
Only passengers booked on this sailing are advised to contact Brittany Ferries' office at 021 427 7801.
The ferry company apologised for any inconvenience caused to passengers but asked those booked to travel on later sailings to refrain from phoning the company as it needs to accommodate tomorrow's passengers first.
In rail travel, there are no DART services in Dublin between Pearse station and Howth/ Malahide but additional buses are operating on Dublin Bus routes adjacent to the line.
The DART will, however, make an ideal mode of travel for those heading southside for the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures, which continues throughout the weekend. Star attractions will include a performance by ground-breaking musician Nitin Sawhney, who will rebuild the title track to his 2001 album Prophesy using traditional Irish musicians, samba drums and a gospel choir.
Next week, Dublin motorists should note that the second phase of the reconstruction work on St Stephen's Green West comes into effect next Wednesday, August 25th. A temporary traffic management system is in operation and parts of the west side of the Green are closed to all traffic.
AA Roadwatch said the changes coming into force next week will include closure of access from St Stephen's Green North to the car parks via York Street. Traffic will be permitted to turn left from Cuffe St. onto St. Stephen's Green West and access the car parks via York St.
Traffic from Leeson St. can continue straight onto Cuffe St and then via Aungier St. or can turn right onto St. Stephens Green East then via Glovers Alley. Access from Aungier St/Georges St will be unchanged Traffic will not be permitted to turn right from St. Stephens Green South onto St. Stephens Green West.