Updated 2.45pm

THE COAST GUARD has warned walkers out today to be careful as high winds cause sea swells.

South-easterly gales up to force eight, 60-70km/hr, are expected along the coast today, with Met Eireann saying they will be “fresh and gusty”.

That means that waves will break on piers and sea walls in areas like Howth, where the Coast Guard is urging caution.

In addition, the waves have also caused delays to Dart services, with Blackrock in particular affected:

Irish Rail said that the 1.36pm Connolly/Rosslare train was 30+ minutes late due to ‘knock-on delays’ through Blackrock.

Howth Coast Guard station spokesperson Fergus Cooney is advising caution when people venture out to affected areas.

“Between 10am and 4pm today we are advising the public not to walk the pier, outside these times during the current conditions they should exercise caution and use common sense, if you see the spray of the waves reaching on the pier don’t walk it.

Waves can be unpredictable, a lull of 10 minutes can be followed by intense waves powerful enough to knock you over and cause injury or wash you off the pier wall.

Dermot McBrierty Dermot McBrierty

During bad weather yesterday, Cooney says, calls were received as photographers attempted to take pictures of the waves.

“Several calls were received from the public about people going under the waves to photograph them, this puts their own life and the lives of the Coast Guard and RNLI at risk. We ask the public to call the Coast Guard at 112 or 999 if they see people who are likely to get into difficulty, don’t expect someone else to make the call.”

Read: Weather: Rain to remain for the week but it’s going to be a fair bit warmer