Locals described the flooding in North Louth as the worst that can be recalled in living memory as they surveyed the damage following torrential rainfall on Monday evening. According to Louth Weather (a popular local weather forecaster on social media) a record 108.3mm of rain was recorded in 24 hours in Cooley which caused numerous roads to become unpassable, flooding in businesses and homes and a bridge to partially collapse.
Residents called for the army to be deployed to help those living in Trinity Close and Abbey Court in Carlingford where a number of houses experienced severe damage from flooding. And with more rain forecast for last night (Wednesday) and today (Thursday) there were worries that there could yet be more trouble ahead for businesses and homeowners.
The unprecedented levels of rainfall caused the bridge over the Big River near Riverstown to partially collapse due to heavy rain and flooding throughout Bank Holiday Monday. The bridge in the Cooley Peninsula was damaged after severe flooding in the area with many roads left impassable.
There was flooding on the R173 from Omeath to Carlingford between McCann’s Bridge and Ranch House.There was also flooding at Flagstaff and at Bush Post Primary School on the Carlingford to Dundalk Road.
According to Gardai, there was also flooding on the N1 northbound between junction 19 and 20 and advised motorists to drive with caution and consider taking alternative routes.
Over the past few days, the areas of Carlingford, Omeath and Ravensdale have been affected severely with several properties and businesses being affected throughout the areas. In Dundalk town, areas affected are the residential areas of Bay Estate, Cluan Enda and Avondale.
Sinn Fein Councillor Antoin Watters said: “It’s great to see the effort being made by local community groups. It’s nice to see everyone pulling together.
“This rainfall and flooding is unprecedented. I’ve never seen anything like it. Some places are flooding for the first time.
“There is also a lot of damage to road networks and of course the Big River bridge partially collapsed.”
Antoin added: “It’s not on the road but it still provides access. This is a huge issue and we are pushing for Government support.
“We are looking for funding to help fix the damage to the road network. When the water recedes, we will see the damage.
“We need hundreds of thousands of euros to solve these issues. It’s a really difficult situation. Hopefully the water will recede in the next day or so”
He concluded: “People in the area are very afraid for the next couple of nights with Storm Ciaran approaching.
“People are preparing for the storm and doing their best to protect their properties as best as possible.”
According to Gardai, there was also flooding on the N1 northbound between junction 19 and 20 and advised motorists to drive with caution and consider taking alternative routes.
Over the past few days, the areas of Carlingford, Omeath and Ravensdale have been affected severely with several properties and businesses being affected throughout the areas.
In Dundalk town, areas affected are the residential areas of Bay Estate, Cluan Enda and Avondale.
Sinn Fein Councillor Antoin Watters said: “It’s great to see the effort being made by local community groups. It’s nice to see everyone pulling together.
“This rainfall and flooding is unprecedented. I’ve never seen anything like it. Some places are flooding for the first time.
“There is also a lot of damage to road networks and of course the Big River bridge partially collapsed.”
Antoin added: “It’s not on the road but it still provides access. This is a huge issue and we are pushing for Government support.
“We are looking for funding to help fix the damage to the road network. When the water recedes, we will see the damage.
“We need hundreds of thousands of euros to solve these issues. It’s a really difficult situation. Hopefully the water will recede in the next day or so”
He concluded: “People in the area are very afraid for the next couple of nights with Storm Ciaran approaching.
“People are preparing for the storm and doing their best to protect their properties as best as possible.”
