Defence Forces Deployed After Serious Flooding

The Defence Forces have been called into action after the authorities were deluged by problems over the severe flooding around the country.

More than 200 defence personnel were called in to assist various councils and emergency workers as roads and public transport carriers were closed, homes and businesses were flooded and vehicles were damaged.

The worst affected areas are in the west and south following heavy rain, with Cork City Centre impassable from the overnight rains.

People have been advised not to travel unless it is necessary.

Reports this morning suggest Cork city is experiencing such huge water disruption due to the city water works becoming flooded when the River Lee burst its banks.

The Accident and Emergency unit at the Mercy Hospital in the city has also been closed after the quay wall beside the hospital at Grenville Place collapsed.

The city is facing a number of other major disruptions with the University College Cork cancelling its lectures this morning while the official opening of the €23m Cork's County Library has also been cancelled. Cork County Hall has also been closed.

Meanwhile, other western counties have also been affected with Galway Chairman of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Frank Fahey, asking the NRA and the N6 Construction Company to open one carriageway of the new M6 motorway following extreme floods at Ballinasloe and Craughwell on the main Dublin to Galway road.

The motorway is not yet finished, but Mr Fahey said the unprecedented level of flooding warranted an emergency opening after the Galway to Dublin road was completely closed to traffic at certain points.

“I have spoken to Fred Barry from the NRA and the N6 Construction Company requesting that one carriageway of the Ballinasloe to Oranmore section of the new motorway be opened to facilitate the movement of traffic,” he said.

“I will also be making contact with the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy requesting if a Garda presence can be provided on the new section motorway if it is opened. A low speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour would be suitable.”

Also this morning the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Martin Mansergh, said local authorities could apply for a minor flood relief scheme introduced earlier this year.

Speaking on RTÉ radio this morning, the Minister also said major relief schemes in towns traditionally affected by flooding were being implemented.

However, despite the ongoing clean up, forecasters are concerned that Saturday's weather looks 'ominous' and could yet see the worst weather of the year.

Met Éirean have issued a weather warning over the incoming downpours saying widespread rain and strong southerly winds were expected, with rainfall totals reaching 20 to 40mm in many areas, with falls of 50 or 60mm likely in parts of the southwest and west.

The warning also said that some "severe" flooding was likely.

The forecaster said councils had been "well warned" to be on flood alert throughout the country. "We're in the midst of a very wet interlude, I'm afraid," he said.

(DW/KMcA)