Up to five cars have been involved in multiple collisions with cattle on the M3 in Meath this morning.

Gardaí temporarily closed off the motorway between Junctions 5 and 7 as they dealt with the collisions, but the road has since reopened in both directions.

There were stray cattle on both sides of the road between Dunshaughlin and Skryne and a number of the animals have been injured.

It is understood that none of the occupants of the vehicles have suffered serious injury.

AA Roadwatch is warning of traffic congestion following the motorway closure.

M3: southbound now open also - motorway completely reopened in both directions. 12km tailback on diversion route: https://t.co/C56x2eWL7G

— AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) January 6, 2017