National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on the aftermath of recent rain warnings and flooding risk

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened a meeting of all Local Authorities, relevant Government departments, state agencies and utility providers on Saturday afternoon to discuss the response to the recent rain and flooding events.

Met Éireann has indicated that the previous weather warnings have now expired. It was highlighted that there'll be an improvement in weather conditions today; however, the impacts of recent heavy rainfall will continue in parts over the weekend, with further flooding possible in Leinster and Munster. Some rivers haven't yet peaked, so flooding is still possible across Leinster and Munster after warnings expired and rainfall eases. With persistent rain across Ireland in recent days, the ground conditions in many areas are already saturated, and many rivers are at capacity.

The rainfall that fell in the last 24 hours has caused flooding in a number of places, with areas in Wexford and Laois particularly impacted.

The Department of Social Protection has activated the relevant flood relief humanitarian assistance scheme for households affected by this severe weather event. Local authorities are liaising with Community Welfare officers in this regard. In addition local authorities are liaising with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with regard to the activation of the scheme to assist those businesses impacted.

Local Authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland continue to be active and responding to the affected areas; however, the need may arise to continue to keep some roads closed due to flooding, and all motorists should follow any traffic instructions put in place. Driving after a spell of heavy rain can be a significant risk in some areas, and motorists should take considerable care when travelling, remaining conscious of the road conditions at all times.

The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response.

"It's important that people are aware of the potential conditions in their area. River and surface water flooding has occurred in some areas in Leinster and Munster today, due to the rainfall yesterday and earlier this week, which has led to saturated grounds and swollen rivers, some of which have broken their banks

"We are asking people to drive with extreme caution and be aware of the local conditions which will vary from place to place depending on the level of flooding. We continue to ask people to avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions, and to stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, where banks can collapse without warning. Flooding impacts can be very localised and specific, so be sure to heed any advice issued by the emergency services and your local authority.

"Drivers also need to be aware of potentially hazardous conditions in their local area, so please slow down, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on roads. If the road ahead is flooded, do not enter - turn around and find another route."

Further public safety advice

• Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks - banks can collapse without warning.
• Avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions - water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
• Slow down, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on roads
• Continue to avoid driving through any remaining floodwater, do not enter - turn around and find another route.
• Do not try to walk through floodwater: Just a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; deeper water can move a car
• Watch for surface water, debris, and damaged road surfaces on all routes, especially rural and secondary roads.
• Obey road-closed signs and follow diversions. Crews may still be assessing structural damage to bridges and culverts.
• Follow advice from emergency services and your local authority.
• Avoid contact with floodwater where possible; it may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or sharp debris.
• 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 https://www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.