Latest: Cork city centre traffic jams ease as lorry cleared from Richmond Hill

Traffic is reported as having returned to normal in Cork city centre after a lorry was cleared from Hardwicke St after earlier coming down Richmond Hill and getting wedged at the junction, causing serious disruption in the city centre this morning.

It is a semi-regular occurrence for heavy vehicles to get into trouble at the bottom of Richmond Hill, which is an extremely steep and narrow street, and which meets the similarly tight Hardwicke St at a close corner. 

Some locals have blamed Google Maps for sending unwitting drivers down Richmond Hill without warning them that it is not suitable for heavy vehicles.

The lorry was eventually cleared, after causing traffic chaos in the city centre.

Gardaí from Anglesea St attended the scene, diverting traffic away from the scene.

Earlier:

City centre traffic in Cork is reported to be heavy this morning as a lorry is currently blocking Richmond Hill and Hardwicke Street.

The cab and trailer came down Richmond Hill and have been unable to clear the close corner of Hardwicke St or reverse back up the hill, meaning both streets are now blocked, with traffic jammed in the city centre as a result.

It is not the first time that a truck or lorry has become wedged at the tight junction, with some locals blaming Google Maps for sending unwitting drivers of heavy vehicles down the narrow Richmond Hill.

Gardai are directing traffic at the scene and diversions are in place.

The vehicle is not expected to be cleared for at least an hour, meaning drivers are advised to avoid the area.