Torrential Downpour Hits Rail And Roads

Many of Dublin's roads and rail lines have fallen foul of flooding after a night of torrential rain.

Vital roads around Dublin were left impassable, and some commuter rail and DART services were not operating.

Almost 12mm of rain were recorded at Dublin Airport, the highest rainfall anywhere in Ireland last night, which equalled almost three weeks' average rainfall, all of which fell in a 90-minute period overnight. The airport remained open however.

A spokesman for Dublin Fire Brigade said motorists should avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary and that efforts were being concentrated on keeping the main routes into the city open.

Apartments housing 20 people on Sherrard Street were evacuated in the early hours of this morning due to flooding.

The Fire Brigade also attended at a house in Monkstown, Co Dublin, where the roof had collapsed, while the roof of the A&E department at the Mater Hospital also partially collapsed following the severe rain.

Dublin Fire Brigade said the worst affected areas were Fairview, East Wall, Collins Avenue, Donnycarney, Pearse Street and Dolphins Barn.

Despite the treacherous conditions in the early morning, AA Roadwatch has reported that much of the flooding in the Dublin area has subsided significantly.

The rain front will be moving north throughout the day, but the worst of it is believed to have fallen in the capital last night.

No traffic problems have been reported in any of Ireland's other major cities.

AA Roadwatch also said that DART services have resumed in both directions. A spokesman said there were still some delays but a normal service should resume shortly.

(DW/BMcC)