Fire Brigade, Civil Defence and Local Authority services in many parts of the country are continuing to assist locals and communities in flood stricken areas. As storm-force winds and high tides create treacherous conditions this weekend, particularly along the Atlantic coast, with severe flooding and some damage in Cork, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Kerry.
Limerick City and County appears to be worst hit on this occasion as the river Shannon has burst its banks. Local authorities, the HSE and An Garda Síochana are all involved in the response to what has been described as a severe flood emergency in the county.
Flood prevention efforts had been put in place in high-risk areas, but the unprecedented high tide this morning overwhelmed the defences. Emergency services have been working in the county since 6am.
Scores of people have already been recsued from their homes while the county council said the evacyuation of more people and areas is being reviewed “on a continual basis”. A community centre in Killeely is being used to care for people removed from their homes.
Water levels in the worst affected areas remain at a very high level, the local authorities said, and the city will be at risk from flooding at high tide until at least Monday.
The heavy winds caused severe damage to the coastal town of Lahinch in Clare, where parts of the promenade were smashed into pieces.
Hundreds of residents in Clare, Kerry and Galway remain without power as a result of the storm damage.
Met Éireann issued an orange alert weather warning for the day, with winds of up to 130 km/h expected and the public have been warned to take care, particularly along the coast.
Galway County Council has urged the public to avoid the coast at times of high tide, and to avoid parking cars in areas liable to flooding.
An Garda Síochána has warned road users to slow down and take care, tweeting: “High winds with damaging gusts & heavy showers across the road network over the coming hours. Bsafe”.
