Meanwhile, in Cluan Enda

John Byrne in his canoe at Cluan Enda

We’ve all had to deal with the floods in the town in recent days, with a number of routes – including the Ardee Road – still closed as a result.

However, Johnny Byrne from Cluan Enda at least seen the funny side of things when he took a canoe out on the streets of the St Alphonsus Road estate to go for a paddle.

Cluan Enda, like many residential areas, bore the brunt of the heavy rain and it begs the question: “Are the council doing enough to ensure our drains are kept clear?”

A section of flooding in Cluan Enda last week

Hat-tip to Dundalk FM for the pictures.

Heavy rains leads to flooding in Dundalk

Following heavy rain this morning in Dundalk, there are reports of a number of floods in the area with motorists urged to be cautious.

There is a large quantity of water under both railway bridges on the Castletown Road (N53) at Fr Murray Park and under the bridge on the Armagh Road (R177) close to the Park Inn Hotel.

Other large puddles have also formed on a number of roads in the area and motorists are urged to be cautious.

Louth granted €191,000 towards flood repairs

What was left of the main Whitestown to Ballagan coast road on the Cooley peninsula following a storm earlier this year. Picture: Louth Weather

Louth County Council has received funding of €191,000 for repair and reinstatement works to its coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure.

The local authority were notified of the funding boost earlier today by the Office of Public Works following a recent application for funding for repair works after the severe weather in January and early February.

The funds are likely to go towards repairing areas that were damaged by flooding earlier this year including parts of the Cooley Peninsula and Blackrock.

Cllr Dearey calls on Government to show leadership on flooding problems

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

Further flood warning issued for Blackrock and Dundalk later today

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.

Earlier today in Blackrock…

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

Warning of further flooding in Blackrock, Dundalk and Carlingford today

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.

Flood warning issued for Blackrock, Carlingford and Dundalk

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.

Fears of further flooding in Dundalk and Blackrock this weekend

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.

Picture credits: Jason McGee (Twitter / Instagram) 

And so it begins…

High tides are due at 3.15pm and already Blackrock has started to flood again.

Half of Main Street was already covered in water by 3pm, as this picture by Jason McGee demonstrates. You can follow what is happening in Blackrock live via the webcam at www.blackrockvillage.ie

UPDATE: The Loakers has also been reported as flooded this afternoon, as well as the Fairgreen area of Dundalk.

Picture credit: Jason McGee (Twitter)

The scene in Blackrock at 3.25pm, as captured by Paddy McNally

Main Street in Blackrock shortly before 4pm, as captured by Fergal McCabe