A MAJOR Irish motorway was forced to close overnight due to dangerous driving conditions as thick smoke engulfed the road.
The M7 from Limerick to Dublin closed on Thursday evening as black smoke was spotted coming from gorse fires.
The smoke took over part of the road, leaving motorists driving in treacherous conditions.
The motorway was closed in both directions between Junction 28 Castletroy, around 4km east of the Castleconnell area, and Junction 25 Nenagh.
Videos shared across social media show the extremity of the smoke as it took over parts of the road.
The gorse fires were reported to have started shortly after 6pm.
Fire crews from Limerick city, Nenagh, Newport and Cappamore were all called to the scene to fight the blaze.
As the road was closed off, traffic delays ensued and diversions were put in place for drivers.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland said: “Incident on M7 between J26 to J28 in both directions.
“Lanes affected: Full Road Closure, Diversions in place due to Gorse fire which is affecting visibility in the area.”
Gardai also confirmed that no collisions or injuries were reported following the disruption.
A garda spokesperson said: “To date, we have received no reports of a collision at this location.
“However, we are aware of gorse fires affecting visibility and traffic along the route. We understand local fire services are currently at the scene.”
The motorway has since reopened to traffic this morning.
Elsewhere on Irish roads, there is congestion this morning on Dublin’s M50.
There is traffic building on the northbound route between Junction 9 Red Cow and Junction 6 M50/N3, as well as at Junction 7 M50/N4.
TII said: “Some delays to your journey may occur. When approaching the congestion location, reduce your speed and drive with caution.”
FIRE ALERT
The fires come as Government chiefs warned that as temperatures rise to 21C this week, high fire risks are a high possibility across the country.
Met Eireann experts confirmed the best heat of the week will be felt on Friday, when parts of Ireland will be hotter than European sun spots.
And due to the abnormally high temperatures for the time of year, areas where “hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels exist” remain a threat for wildfires.
A Government statement said: “Strongly elevated fire risks are expected in areas with fire-prone upland vegetation types, and fire
behaviour and spread rates are likely to be strongly influenced by lower humidity levels associated with easterly winds and elevated windspeeds, which may exceed 20kph at times.
BE VIGILANT ALERT
“Recent fire activity appears to be focused on areas associated with active turf cutting and illegal waste dumping, and additional vigilance is warranted in these areas.
“Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should be vigilant and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana.
“All rural users should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.”
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine urge that fire lines, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and at the ready in case of an emergency situation.
Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users are being asked to remain vigilant when it comes to fire activities.
Any suspicious or illegal activity should be reported immediately.
The public are being reminded that it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not
then cultivated between March 1 and August 31.
All activity of this nature should be reported to the Gardai.
