Dublin: The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) and Met Éireann have warned of a heightened risk of flooding and travel disruption in Dublin and Wicklow from Thursday evening into Friday, as heavy rain combines with high tides and strong coastal winds.
Met Éireann said already elevated river levels, coupled with further rainfall and rising tides, could lead to flooding in low-lying and coastal areas. NECG chairman Keith Leonard urged the public and authorities to remain on full alert throughout the week, warning that Thursday night is expected to be a critical period.
He said the combination of heavy rain, high tides and coastal winds will create particularly challenging conditions, making it difficult for floodwaters to drain into estuaries and the sea. Leonard added that he could not rule out further flooding this week and beyond.
Enniscorthy and Eastern Areas at Risk
The NECG has cautioned that areas such as Enniscorthy, which suffered significant damage last week, remain at risk of renewed flooding. Authorities said river systems are already under pressure, and further rainfall could quickly exacerbate the situation.
Dublin City Council’s flood management team confirmed that river levels are high and that additional rainfall is forecast. As a precaution, car parks along the coast at Sandymount and Clontarf have been closed, along with the Clontarf cycle path. Flood gates at Eden Quay Boardwalk and along the River Dodder will also be closed.
A Status Yellow rain warning remains in place for parts of eastern Ireland.
Warnings in Wexford and Louth
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has issued a river flood warning for County Wexford until 11am on Friday, citing high river and surface water levels.
In County Louth, the local authority has advised motorists to avoid several roads in Drogheda, including Wellington Quay and the R150 Marsh Road, due to flooding. The main street in Blackrock will also be closed during high tide, and the public has been urged not to park in affected areas.
Calls for Action in Waterford
Parts of Waterford city and county experienced flooding earlier this week, with residents of Passage East reporting ongoing distress. Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has called for urgent measures, including a full mapping and assessment of the stormwater system in the area.
Waterford City and County Council said it has developed proposals for a complete upgrade of the stormwater network in Passage East and is currently awaiting funding.
Heavy Rain to Continue
Met Éireann meteorologist Gerry Murphy said the heaviest overnight rainfall was recorded in east Wicklow and south Dublin, with up to 14mm reported and higher totals in mountainous areas. He warned that further rainfall could quickly lead to flooding as water flows into already swollen river basins.
Forecasts indicate unsettled conditions for the remainder of the week and into the weekend, with further heavy rain and strong winds expected, particularly in the east and south-east. Authorities have advised continued vigilance, especially in flood-prone areas, as the risk of flooding remains elevated across large parts of the country.
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