The overhead cables on the M50 Northbound toll bridge were cut yesterday evening, forcing the motorway to be shut down for a time and reportedly causing over €100,000 worth of damage.

A man cut a number of wires on the bridge at around 9.30pm, shutting down the tag-readers and allowing motorists to pass through "toll free."

A video was posted on social media of the wires being cut.

The M50 was closed for a time as Garda negotiators communicated with the man.

After a short period of time he left the gantry and was arrested by Gardaí, who took him to Blanchardstown Garda Station and detained him under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

A source told Independent.ie that the damage done would cause a "huge loss of revenue".

"The value of damage to the cameras on the gantry and loss of revenue is huge, estimated to be over €100k," a source said.

The toll company e-flow said they did not want to comment on the matter presently.

A man is due to appear in court later today in connection with the incident.

Online Editors