Increased risk of flooding in Kildare on Thursday

Parts of the Newbridge and Clane areas close to the River Liffey remain at increased risk of flooding ahead of the status yellow rain warning which will be valid from 03.00 tomorrow morning until 03.00 on Friday morning.

According to a statement from Kildare County Council (KCC), the “additional expected rainfall on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides increases the risk of localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travel conditions.” The statement detailed that work in recent days from the ESB on “the necessary and controlled discharge of water” has helped in the task of managing any potential flooding incidents in flood prone areas of the county.

The local authority warned, however, that “many rivers remain close to or above bank-full conditions and additional rainfall in the coming days could trigger localised flooding, in flood prone areas”.

The statement went on further to detail the work that the local authority has been carrying out:

“Kildare County Council crews are working hard on the ground, monitoring conditions on a 24/hr basis, carrying out all necessary flood preparation works and have already deployed sandbags to a number of areas, as a precaution. Additional sandbags will be deployed to any at risk areas, as required. However, no properties have been affected or deemed to be at immediate risk.

Kildare County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team is continuing to meet daily, as it has done throughout this ongoing weather event, as well as working closely with other agencies through the National Emergency Coordination Group and relevant sub-groups.” KCC said that those with concerns about flooding are advised to contact them. Stocks of sandbags are available for use in affected areas if they are needed. They urged the public to “be vigilant and adhere to all public safety advice.” They included the following public safety advice:

• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts over the next 24 – conditions may change quickly. Visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources.

• Do not bypass Road Closed signs – the road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk.

• Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.

• Allow for disruption when commuting over the coming days.

• Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.

• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.

• Check with Transport Operators when planning journeys • Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.

• Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.

• Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide.

• The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.” • Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.

• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. in regards to power restoration times.

• Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.” They also added their contact details:

Phone: 045 980200 Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm Contact us Portal: Kildare County Council Contact Us Form · Portal Home Kildare County Council’s out of hours emergency contacts are as follows:  • Kildare County Council - Out of hours - 1800 500 444  • Homeless Out of hours services operated by Peter McVerry Trust on behalf of Kildare County Council – 1800 804 307 (Saturday & Sunday 12pm -5pm) 

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