A busy hotel in the centre of Waterford City has been evacuated this evening due to a security alert in the area.

Treacy’s Hotel in Waterford City had its staff and guests evacuated and emergency services are currently on the scene.

Waterford Council released a statement which said, "Gardaí have alerted us to an incident on the Quay towards the Bridge St area. Traffic backup is considerable. Please avoid the area if you can."

They added, "Traffic build up now significant in Bridge St, the Quays, bilberry, Sallypark and Ferrybank. Please avoid the area."

BREAKING: Emergency services are dealing with an incident on the Quay in #Waterford. Ambulance, fire service and Gardaí in attendance. Motorists urged to avoid the area. More as we get it. https://t.co/AqUX9Dxw9E

— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) September 13, 2018