Storm Chandra update

HEAVY RAINFALL and strong winds as a result of Storm Chandra are causing disruptions across Carlow this morning, with rising river levels leading to flooding in certain parts of the county. 

The river Slaney is rising quite quickly in Tullow and has already burst its banks in Enniscorthy, causing significant flooding and numerous diversions being put in place on roads in the locality. 

There are reports that Carlow Town Park is flooded also. 

The Slaney also burst its banks in Bunclody, and as a result, the N80 at Bunclody is closed. 

While in Leighlinbridge, the River Barrow is coming under significant pressure. 

In the south of the county, St Mullins Mill recorded 44mm of rainfall overnight, taking the total amount of rainfall recorded at the mill in January to 234mm, roughly double the monthly average. 

Last night (Monday), Uisce Éireann informed customers that production at the Graiguenamanagh water treatment plant has been temporarily affected by the extensive rainfall over the last few days, with heavy rain causing deterioration in the raw water quality, which has resulted in the plant shutting down temporarily. 

As a result of this, water tankers are supplementing supply to maintain reservoir levels, with customers warned they may experience low pressure and intermittent interruption to supply or discolouration. 

Shane Aylward, Water Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann, said: “We understand how disruptive these issues can be, and we regret the inconvenience caused.

“We would like to assure the local communities across Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch that we are monitoring the water treatment plant and weather closely, and as soon as conditions allow, we will restore full production to the plant.

“We are appealing to customers to conserve water at this time while the plant is not producing water in an effort to safeguard daytime supply.”

Following a technical briefing with the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management and Met Éireann, Carlow County Council issued the following public safety message: 

Public Safety Message -Take care on exposed roads and bridges.

-Watch for fallen branches and 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 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.” -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.

-Allow for disruption when commuting over the coming days.

-Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.

-Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility on Tuesday.

-Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.

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

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

-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.

Carlow County Council out of office hours contact number 059 9170300.