The Samuel Beckett Bridge. Closed to traffic earlier (but open to shipping).

The Samuel Beckett Bridge. Closed to traffic earlier (but open to shipping).

Updated at 10.57am

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL says a software problem was to blame for problems with the Samuel Beckett Bridge this morning.

The bridge — a major crossing of the Liffey, from the IFSC to the south Docklands — was due to reopen to traffic at 6am but stayed out of use until 9am.

The roadway had been closed overnight as works were being carried out on the structure, but when workers attempted to bring the swing section back into place this morning, it failed to move from its ‘open to shipping’ setting.

A spokesperson for the Council said a “software issue” was identified in the computer system that opens and closes the swing section.

The absence of the bridge led to major traffic problems in the immediate area, with knock-on effects being felt further out.

Traffic was backed up as far away as Clontarf on the northside, and there was also unusually heavy traffic on the south of the river.

Cyclists and pedestrians were also affected by the closure.

Experts are due to examine the technology this afternoon. Further works are planned tonight, but the Council says the bridge won’t be closed again to traffic if there’s “any indication” of a possible repeat of the software problem.

An update is expected this afternoon.

First posted at 8.25am