A man has been killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the M7 Dublin - Limerick road

It's understood up to a dozen vehicles were involved in the collision - during heavy hail and sleet.

The man in his 50's lost his life when his car came off the M7 at Ballyfinnan Newport - between the junctions for Birdhill and Castletroy - shortly before eight o'clock last evening.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to University Hospital Limerick where a post mortem will take place.

It's not yet clear exactly how many vehicles were involved - but it's understood up to a dozen collided.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.