Carlow flooding: River levels drop slightly but situation remains 'very serious'

CARLOW County Council has reported a slight overnight drop in river levels across the county, though the Barrow and Burren rivers remain extremely high at near record levels and the situation remains "very serious".

In an update issued this morning (Sunday), the council confirmed it is continuing to pump water and provide sandbags at the most impacted areas following days of severe flooding that threatened homes and closed roads across County Carlow.

The council stated: "River levels across the County have dropped slightly overnight, with the Barrow and Burren still extremely high at near record levels. The situation remains very serious."

The authority is continuing to monitor rainfall and river levels, with further updates to be issued as required.

The slight improvement comes after the council issued a critical alert yesterday urging residents along low-lying parts of the River Burren to move valuable items to upper floors as river levels approached record heights with more rain forecast.

Crews have been working around the clock to protect vulnerable homes in Carlow town through over-pumping operations, while Civil Defence were mobilised to assist older and vulnerable residents.

Operations have also been ongoing in Tullow on the River Slaney and monitoring continues of the River Derry in Clonegal.