Transport services are reporting high volumes of passenger numbers on what is expected to be the busiest travel day over Christmas.
Dublin Airport expected over 80,000 passengers to arrive and depart today, and around one million over the festive period.
Regional airports, ferries, rail and bus companies also reported a spike in passenger numbers as families and friends reunite for Christmas.
Families waiting expectantly at @DublinAirport for loved ones home for Christmas. Over a million people will pass through the airport over the next 2 weeks. 85,000 people will pass through today. Lots of emotion! Lots of happy tears! pic.twitter.com/sUCdRd6aY8
— Petula Martyn (@petulamartyn) December 22, 2017
More than usual heavy traffic was expected on roads this evening as people made their way to their destinations on the last weekend before Christmas.
Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority have issued appeals to road users not to drink and drive and to be particularly careful as traffic volumes increase.
14 people were arrested for drink driving last Christmas Day. Make sure you’re at home sharing dinner with your family and not in a lonely cell. Our menu for prisoners isn’t that appealing #NeverEverDrinkAndDrive 👮♂️🍔 pic.twitter.com/2UGYDyg3Ht
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) December 22, 2017
There will be no Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus or Luas services on Christmas Day. Train services will not operate on Christmas Day or on St Stephen's Day.
Late night DART and commuter services will continue until the New Year.
Intending passengers are advised to check schedules on the transport company websites.
There were joyful scenes in Dublin and Cork today, as families reunited for Christmas. Over one million people are expected to fly through Dublin Airport over Christmas, making it the busiest festive season in the airport's history pic.twitter.com/E0gjXX611Q
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 22, 2017
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