There have been numerous complaints over the course of the last week about the flooding under the railway bridge at Sportsman’s Hall on the Armagh Road.
The flooding there is creating great difficulty for motorists while there have been numerous complaints about a lack of council intervention. Surely it’s time to do something about this?
The scene at the Spirit Store yesterday, with water coming up to the entrance of the premises, as captured by Cllr Dearey
Mark Dearey
Green Party councillor and local businessman Mark Dearey has called on the Government to online their Flood Management Strategy to help businesses and homeowners know where they stand when their property floods.
As owner of The Spirit Store in George’s Quay, Cllr Dearey has had a busy few weeks battling rising tides, with water coming right up to the door of the premises as recently as yesterday.
The father of two, who will run in both the European and local elections in May, will have to be on the defensive again today with further flooding anticipated around 2pm as a flood warning has been issued for Dundalk and Blackrock.
However, while Cllr Dearey accepts that flooding is set to become more commonplace, he wants the government to show leadership and outline how they intend to manage the problem and what they are going to do to help homes and businesses secure flood insurance.
“The impact of decades of underinvestment in our flood defences and an absence of sustainable river management strategies are now being felt by communities the length and breadth of the country. Despite years of warnings that climate change would result in heavier rainfall and rising sea levels, the Government have made no statement about how they intend to manage this crisis in the long-term,” said Cllr Dearey.
“For the second time in three weeks, my business was flooded yesterday. I know what it’s like to see that inexorable rise of water, and I share in the frustration of those who are suffering at this time.
“People across the country are now looking to the Government for help, and they’re looking for leadership in answering how we’re going to face this challenge in the years ahead. All evidence suggests that these storms and floods are going to become more common and more destructive. Government, local authorities and the insurance industry need to work together in figuring out where we go from here.”
Last month’s flooding in the area has already cost in the region of quarter of a million euro while the cost to the local authority if businesses close their doors for good as a result of the inevitable knock-on effect that these floods have on trade in the area.
Louth County Council issued a flood warning for 2.30pm today with an Orange weather warning in place from 3pm today until 9am tomorrow, with flooding likely in Dundalk, Blackrock and Bellurgan during this period.
What’s left of the main Whitestown to Ballagan coast road on the Cooley Peninsula following yesterday’s storm. Monday’s tides were down in terms of height, but the waves were much more powerful, according to Louth Weather, who captured the superb image
The flooded street of Blackrock, as captured by Blackrock Tidy Towns yesterday
A further flood warning has been issued for later today in Blackrock and Dundalk.
Louth County Council issued the warning in the last few minutes, with the flooding anticipated around 2pm.
Motorists are warned that the floods may cause disruption and are urged to drive with care.
Thanks to Aidan Stewart for sharing these superb shots of the sea crashing onto the Main Street in Blackrock earlier today.
Thankfully, the floods weren’t as bad as those witnessed last month but it was still enough to close Main Street briefly with Belles Tea Rooms opting to close for the afternoon due to how quiet the area was.
People are reminded that these floods have an impact on local business and are asked to support them if they can at this time.
The flooded street of Blackrock, as captured by Blackrock Tidy Towns
Dundalk Port at around 12.50pm today, as captured by local councillor Mark Dearey
A number of homes have been left without power in the Bush area of Cooley this morning.
The outage occurred around 11.20am, with the ESB currently working on the fault. There is no estimate on when power will be reconnected but 272 homes are said to be affected.
Meanwhile, flooding has already occurred at Dundalk Port, with water above the sea wall. There is already flooding reported on the Inner Relief Road and at the Fairgreen Road, which has been closed.
Flooding at The Loakers on Saturday, as captured by the Blackrock Tidy Towns committee
Louth County Council have issued a flood warning for later today in Blackrock, Dundalk, Drogheda and Carlingford.
There will be a high tide and threat of flooding from 12.40pm to 2.40pm.
Bellurgan and Ballagan are also believed to be at risk of flooding during this period.
Main Street in Blackrock and The Loakers were closed to traffic at the weekend due to flooding, while Dundalk Port, the Inner Relief Road and the Fairgreen areas of Dundalk were also affected.
The floods are not expected to be as severe as last month but people are urged to be cautious at all times and not to drive through flooded streets unnecessarily.
Blackrock takes a battering last month. Picture: Patrick Murtagh
Louth County Council has issued a flood warning for later today in Blackrock, Carlingford, Dundalk Port and the Fairgreen.
They have warned that traffic is likely to be disrupted as a result.
Flooding is expected between the hours of 11am and 1pm.
Flooding fears have been elevated due to the incoming storm Brigid.
While flooding is expected it is not anticipated to be as bad as what was witnessed in the area last month.
Meanwhile, on the sporting front all Dundalk Schoolboys’ League matches have been called off due to the adverse conditions.
The scene at Blackrock just before 11am this morning with waves already crashing over the sea wall
There are fears of further flooding in Dundalk and Blackrock this weekend following the issuing of a high tide warning.
The tide is expected to reach a height of 4.57m at around 11.40am this morning, with Dundalk Port Authority admitting that the tide may rise over the quay wall around this time.
Sandbags left as a precaution on Main Street, Blackrock, this morning
To make matters worse, higher tides are expected on Saturday shortly after noon, Sunday at 1.15pm and Monday at 2pm meaning there is a slight possibility of flooding, mirroring that which affected the area earlier this month.
A delivery of sandbags has already been made to Blackrock as a precaution, with the village still recovering from from extensive flooding of its Main Street just a few weeks ago.
Flooding fears have been elevated due to the incoming storm, which ironically is called Storm Brigid ahead of St Brigid’s Day tomorrow.
Strong gusts are already sending water crashing onto the Main Street in Blackrock and these winds are expected to increase over the course of the weekend.
A boat at George’s Quay in Dundalk almost level with the pier, such is the height of the water: Photo by GavMcD
Further flooding, similar to that witnessed yesterday afternoon, remains a possibility in coastal areas of Co Louth before the weekend is out.
Today’s tide should pass without incident as it is 0.4m lower than yesterday, with winds dropping from 50kph to 15kph.
However, there are several more high tides expected in the coming days and these, combined with an incoming storm on Sunday/Monday could cause further problems.
Indeed, Met Éireann are forecasting that the current unsettled conditions could last for as much as a further week.
The scene on Main Street in Blackrock. Picture courtesy of Jason McGee
Main Street in Blackrock has been closed due to extensive flooding this lunchtime.
The Rock Road, beside the Loakers, is also reported to be impassable at present.
You can monitor the current live situation in the village by logging on to the webcam at www.blackrockvillage.ie
Meanwhile, extensive flooding has also made part of the Inner Relief Road at the entrance to the Spirit Store and the Fair Green at Tom Bellew Park virtually impassable after the Castletown River burst its banks.
The scene on the Inner Relief Road in Dundalk. Picture: Pat O’Shaughnessy, LMFM
The scene on the Fairgreen Road, alongside the Castletown River. Picture: Pat O’Shaughnessy, LMFM
A boat at George’s Quay in Dundalk almost level with the pier, such is the height of the water: Photo by GavMcD
A wave crashes onto the Main Street of Blackrock. Picture by Paul Smith
The Dundalk to Blackrock Road heavily flooded. Picture by Pat O’Shaughnessy, LMFM
Talk of the Town 