Commuters in Dublin face further serious disruption before Christmas as test digging begins for the proposed Metro system.
Already coping with congestion, delays caused by Luas works and the cancellation of weekend DART services, Dubliners face the prospect of giant boring machines digging at locations around the city.
The work, due to begin in November, will affect Abbey Street, College Green, Pearse Street, Tara Street and Customs House Quay.
The work is being carried out by the Railway Procurement Agency. The Dáil is yet to give the green light for plans to develop the underground Metro rail network for Dublin.