A massive clean-up operation is underway on Dublin's main road links after weekend flash floods.

The worst affected areas were in the north of the city.

The floodwater has almost subsided, according to Gardai, who have reopened Blanchardstown's N3 and the M1 at Shantalle Bridge.

Met Éireann has said that in the 24-hour period from midnight Friday until midnight on Saturday 76.2mm of rain was recorded at Dublin Airport, a new record for the month of August.

The previous record was 73mm, which was recorded in August 1986.

Northside Dublin traffic stood still for several hours on Saturday as long tailbacks halted movement on the N1 and N50.

The traffics jams forced hundreds of families out of their cars and into temporary accommodation for the night.

-- Advertisement --

Houses in the Knocklyon and Firhouse areas of south Dublin experienced damage, as the main drain section of Dublin City Council was called out to help ease the flooding, which was made worse by high tide.

Bad flooding also affected residents in Celbridge, according to Kildare County Council.

Eight houses in the Vanessa Close Estate were flooded with water reaching around 60cm.

It is believed the damage was caused by the Toni River, a tributary of the Liffey, which is backing up.

The Clane to Celbridge Road is expected to remain closed for the rest of today.

The Ardrass Road from Straffan to Celbridge is also closed.

Celbridge also experienced serious problems with sewage flooding onto the street, caused by pumps being flooded.

The pumps are now working again but Main Street is still affected by the sewage, which has also damaged some premises.

Leixlip and Maynooth also experienced flooding, but the county council is not aware of any damage to property.

County Laois' Ballyroan to Portlaoise Road is flooded at Cashel Cross after a river burst its banks.

Rail services have resumed between Malahide Station and Howth Junction.

Iarnród Éireann has said all its lines have now reopened and its services are now running as normal.

(PR/JM)