Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
LAST UPDATE | 22 mins ago
PERSISTENT RAIN IS spreading this afternoon and more flooding is expected in areas already hit.
The east, north-east and south-east of the country remain particularly at risk.
A status yellow rain warning is currently in place in Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and Waterford.
Met Éireann says further heavy rainfall on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels, may cause more localised flooding and difficult travel conditions today.
The warning will expire at midnight, but tomorrow brings fresh rain warnings for the same counties in addition to Co Louth. Those warnings will be in effect from 9am until midnight tomorrow.
Rain warnings issued by the Met Office will also be in effect for the six counties of the North from midnight until 6pm tomorrow.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) said disruption to essential services is likely over the coming days.
This afternoon, more persistent rain will move into the southwest, spreading northeastwards across the country through the day and turning heavy in places.
With saturated ground conditions and high river levels, additional flooding is expected.
Tomorrow, rain will spread from the south through the morning and afternoon.
In light of the consistently bad weather, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI have reminded the public to check weather and sea conditions before any coastal or water-based activity this Bank Holiday weekend.
“Strong winds this weekend are expected to lead to very rough sea states and large swells, making coastal conditions particularly dangerous,” the Department of Transport said in a statement.
The secretary general of the Red Cross, Deirdre Garvey, said affected businesses need to fill out a form, and once received, the Red Cross will be able to make the first payment of either €5,000 or €10,000.
She also advised taking photos of any immediate damage before beginning to clean up, as this could be used as evidence to support applications for further grants.
Garvey said that they hadn’t yet had any applications, but those who wish to apply can email emergencyflooding@redcross.ie or go to gov.ie for more information.
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said there has been an absence of adequate advice from the government as, a year on from Storm Éowyn, households haven’t received the storm information booklets that were promised.
Housing Minister James Browne yesterday acknowledged failings in informing people about the extent of Storm Chandra.
Despite the damage caused by the flooding, Met Éireann did not issue a rain warning for Dublin. Warnings issued for other counties did not detail the potential disastrous impacts.
A Met Éireann forecaster told The Journal that this was because the decision to enact warnings is based solely on the level of rainfall, and does not account for how wet the ground already is before a storm arrives.
Speaking on South East Radio yesterday, Browne said: “I think more needs to be done on the communication side of it from Met Éireann, and I’m really frustrated that some state agencies seem to think that it’s, you know, their duty to somehow withhold information.
“I’m a great believer in information should be out there.”
Whitmore said his remarks were an “attempt to evade responsibility”.
In a statement today, the NECG said that situations can change very quickly and even small amounts of rain could have significant impacts in areas where river levels are high or where the ground is already saturated.
“Local response teams are monitoring the ongoing situation very closely, ensuring resources are in place and crews are on standby, and preparing necessary interventions,” the group said.
“Severe weather and flooding may impact transport services and the public is advised to always check with operators before their journey.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say