Thousands of people protested for #Strike4Repeal in Dublin's city centre this afternoon.

Commuters in the city experienced major delays as a number of streets were closed off as a result of the protest which asked people to leave their universities and workplaces to demonstrate.

Students today walked out of lectures at 12.30pm wearing black in solidarity to take part in marches and rallies nationwide throughout the day.

Gardaí diverted traffic from O'Connell Bridge, O'Connell Street southbound from Abbey Street and Westmoreland Street.

DUBLIN: A demonstration is currently making its way onto O'Connell Bridge from the South Quays blocking all lanes. https://t.co/qvBPcgxUj8 — AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) March 8, 2017

Avoid O'Connell Bridge due to a protest. Bridge impassable.Use alternative routes please — An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) March 8, 2017

Aston Quay was also closed to traffic.

Gardaí attended the scene, guiding pedestrians and advising people to walk further down the quays on either side to cross the road.

Expand Close The #Strike4Repeal march in Dublin's city centre. Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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Whatsapp The #Strike4Repeal march in Dublin's city centre. Photo: Steve Humphreys

They released a statement advising motorists of delays in the area.

Traffic remains heavy in the city centre this evening, according to AA Roadwatch.

Expand Close The #Strike4Repeal march in Dublin's city centre. Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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Whatsapp The #Strike4Repeal march in Dublin's city centre. Photo: Steve Humphreys

The delays stretch back to Dame Street on the southside.

Thousands turned up for the #StrikeforRepeal protest as people march in support of repealing the Eighth Amendment.

The strike coincides with this year’s International Women’s Day.

Another march, set to leave the Garden of Remembrace at 5.30pm, is to take over the streets of Dublin this evening.

Protest

Pro-choice campaigners organised the series of protests in opposition to Ireland's anti-abortion laws.

Campaigners today are repealing the 8th amendment of the constitution and demanding a referendum on abortion, which is currently a criminal offence.

Organisers said those unable to take a day off work for the strike could support the cause by wearing black and posting on social media.

It is estimated that 12 women travel from Ireland to the UK every day to access a safe and legal termination.

Online Editors