Cattle on the M3 Cavan-Dublin motorway in Meath caused a multi-vehicle crash and closed the motorway in both directions this morning. The Irish Farmers Journal has learned that despite reports suggesting five cattle were killed, three animals died.

Reports suggest that up to five vehicles were involved in the crash. However, no one involved in the incident has suffered serious injuries.

The AA reported that both the northbound and southbound carriageways are now open. The northbound carriageway was closed earlier from the toll plaza due to cattle on the road and traffic was heavy on approach with a diversion at J5 Dunboyne.

Emergency services dealt with a multi-vehicle crash after J6 Dunshaughlin southbound and gardaí diverted traffic at J7 Skryne/Kilmessan.

Traffic was described as “extremely heavy” and reports describe 12km-long tailbacks when the southbound carriageway reopened around 9.45am.

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