The Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan is appealing for all Irish citizens in Libya to get in contact with the department amid escalating violence in the region.

Fighting between rival militia groups has intensified in Tripoli and other cities.

About 100 Irish people are believed to be in Libya and a crisis team is working to get in contact with the citizens and their families.

"There have been repeated reports of damage to essential infrastructure, affecting access between Libya and Europe. Approximately 100 Irish people remain in Libya, most of them long-term residents" Mr Flanagan said.

"We are working closely with our EU partners, and will continue to provide direct assistance and updated information to Irish citizens and their families, over the coming days" he added.

Irish people in Libya who have not yet been contacted are asked to register with the department at www.dfa.ie or to call 00-353-1-408-2000.