Updates:
1.25pm – One lane has been reopened and traffic is slowly getting underway again
2.45pm – The road has now been completely reopened while the bus has been removed from the scene.
#CLARE The #M18 Limerick/Galway Rd fully open NB between J15 Crusheen & J16 Gort as a fuel spill has been treated. https://t.co/pdsEzJTRQr
— AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) October 1, 2017
Earlier: Fire crews from two counties are dealing with a major oil spillage on the M18 this afternoon.
Both lanes of the northbound carriageway have been affected and closed. It’s understood that engine oil leaking from a passing bus was the cause of the problem.
Units of the fire brigade from Ennis and Gort are dealing with the spillage which has resulted in the route being closed between Crusheen and Gort. The alarm was raised just after midday.
Gardaí and motorway maintenance crews also responded to the incident. The spillage was found to be between 3 and 4 kilometres long.
#CLARE #N18 Galway/Limerick Rd is currently closed northbound between J15 Crusheen and J16 Gort due to an oil spill. https://t.co/pdsEzJTRQr
— AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) October 1, 2017
Fire crews used their vehicles to create a rolling roadblock so they could safely bring all northbound traffic to a stop before tackling the spillage.
Fire crews are currently spraying the road with specialist chemicals to disperse the oil.
The southbound lanes have not been affected.