Dublin in Chaos: Luas Power Failure and M50 Gridlock Cause Major Disruptions – Full Travel Alert for Commuters!

Published on December 10, 2025

Luas tram services, which serve as a vital transport option for thousands of Dublin commuters, have been severely impacted by a power fault. Currently, the Luas Green Line is only running between Sandyford and Brides Glen, leaving a major gap in the service, with no trams running between Sandyford and Broombridge. Commuters hoping to travel along this route will need to seek alternative modes of transport.

The Luas Red Line is also facing disruptions, with services operating only between Tallaght/Saggart and Smithfield. The stretch between Smithfield and The Point/Connolly is completely suspended, making it difficult for those heading into the city centre or traveling east. This reduction in service is forcing many to consider other routes, including buses and the DART.

M50 Motorway Chaos: Traffic Gridlocked Across Dublin

As if the tram disruptions weren’t enough, Dublin’s M50 motorway is experiencing serious traffic gridlock. Commuters are reporting slow-moving traffic at several key junctions, including J5 Finglas, J9 Red Cow, and J10 Ballymount, which has led to extended delays throughout the city. The M50 Northbound is particularly slow near J4 Ballymun, where heavy traffic is causing frustrating hold-ups for drivers.

The M50 motorway, a primary route for people traveling to and from Dublin, is currently experiencing standstill traffic due to congestion. These delays are exacerbated by the ongoing issues with Luas services, as many drivers are opting to use cars instead of trams, further clogging up the roads.

Collisions and Breakdowns: More Trouble on Dublin Roads

In addition to the M50 congestion, there are several traffic incidents contributing to further delays across Dublin. A collision on the M1 southbound between J3 Swords and J2 Dublin Airport has resulted in the left lane and hard shoulder being blocked, leading to major delays in the area. This collision is causing a bottleneck for drivers heading towards Dublin Airport, particularly those in the early morning rush.

Further adding to the chaos, a vehicle breakdown on the M50 Northbound, near the J11 Tallaght off-ramp, is causing additional slowdowns. The breakdown has left vehicles in a less-than-ideal situation, blocking lanes and creating a traffic jam on an already congested motorway.

Other Areas Hit Hard by Traffic Jams

It’s not just the motorways that are affected. Several other key Dublin roads are also reporting heavy traffic. Sean Moore Road is experiencing a complete standstill in both directions, making it nearly impossible for drivers to pass through the area without significant delays.

Other congested areas include Phibsborough Road, Fairview, Ratoath Road, and Navan Road. These busy roads are backed up as drivers try to avoid the motorway jams. Furthermore, areas like Stillorgan Road, heading into Donnybrook, and Leopardstown Road are also experiencing heavy traffic as commuters look for alternative routes.

Tips for Commuters: How to Avoid the Worst Delays

If you’re planning to travel across Dublin today, here’s what you need to know to navigate the chaos:

• Consider alternative public transport: Since Luas services are down in major parts of the city, consider using Dublin Bus or DART services, both of which are less affected by the current power fault.
• Check real-time traffic updates: To stay on top of changing conditions, be sure to check live traffic feeds, such as those from Transport for Ireland and Dublin City Council.
• Avoid the M50 if possible: If you can, avoid using the M50 motorway, especially during peak hours. The M50 is experiencing major slowdowns, and using secondary roads might save time.
• Travel at off-peak times: If possible, try to travel outside of the peak morning or evening rush hours to minimize delays, particularly on heavily congested routes like the M50 and Phibsborough Road.
• Use carpooling: For those who must drive, consider sharing rides with others to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Conclusion: Stay Updated and Plan Ahead for Dublin Travel

With Luas tram services suspended and road traffic gridlocked, Dublin is facing a challenging day of travel disruptions. Commuters are advised to stay informed through real-time updates from Transport for Ireland and other official sources. By adjusting your route, considering alternative transport, and planning ahead, you can reduce the impact of these disruptions on your travel plans.

While Luas services are expected to resume once the power fault is resolved, current conditions are causing significant delays across Dublin’s transport system. With multiple incidents contributing to congestion, it’s important for commuters to remain flexible and prepared for longer travel times.