Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister James Browne and Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran visit flood affected areas

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister James Browne and Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran visit flood affected areas

• From: Department of the Taoiseach

• Published on: 2 February 2026
• Last updated on: 2 February 2026

Taoiseach Micheál Martin today (Monday) visited areas of the country that were hit by severe flooding following the recent prolonged period of wet weather and Storm Chandra.

The Taoiseach was accompanied by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran.

They met with affected householders, business owners, local authority staff and community representatives in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny; Carlow Town; and. Aughrim, County Wicklow.

Commenting on his visits, the Taoiseach said:

"The last week has been devastating for many people who have seen their homes and businesses severely damaged by flooding.

"I wanted to come today to meet those impacted and hear first-hand of their experiences. I also wanted to thank the local communities, local authority staff, Civil Defence, Irish Red Cross and other volunteers for their unfailing and relentless work to keep people safe.

"I want to assure that all government departments and response agencies are fully focused on protecting properties and alleviating flooding to the greatest extent possible over the period ahead.

"In coming here today, I also wanted to ensure that schemes designed to support people after such events are reaching all those who need them.

"With Minister James Browne and Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, we heard today from those most impacted and discussed the OPW and Local Authority flood alleviation works planned for each of the areas we visited.

"Changes in our climate are increasing the frequency and severity of flooding events, and we are seeing flooding now in places we didn't before. This new reality is one to which we must swiftly respond in order to protect lives, livelihoods and property into the future.

"I am determined that we make demonstrable progress on flood warning systems and defences, and I will be engaging with government colleagues and officials on this."

Commenting on the visits, Minister Browne said:

"The Taoiseach's visit here today underscores this Government's commitment to helping the people affected by the flood to recover as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided and we are fully focused on getting the community back on their feet again.

"With regard to the longer term, there are certainly lessons to be learned from this past week. Just as we have implemented improvements following Storm Eowyn, I want to see any improvements identified from this week put in place speedily. That may very well include the warning system but may include other advice also. The key thing for me is twofold: we have the most effective warning system in place and the best possible response ready.

Commenting on the visits, Minister 'Boxer Moran said:

"Today was my second time visiting the areas impacted by flooding over the last week. I have heard and seen just how devastating the effect of the flooding has been. It's important that those who have been affected and who may be fearing further flooding know that all agencies are working closely together to support on the immediate response. My own local authority in Westmeath is linked in with Wexford County Council and providing aqua dams and other resources, and that is happening right across the country.

"As well as the immediate response to this weather event, we also need long-term solutions and to advance flood relief schemes where they are needed as quickly as possible to make sure that people, homes and businesses are protected."