Kilkenny County Council has issued a warning about a serious flood event with levels that have not been witnessed in recent years.
They’ve activated the Kilkenny County Councils Flood Emergency Response Plan.
People living in low-lying areas of Bennettsbridge, Thomastown, Inistioge, and Graiguenamanagh are being advised to vacate their properties immediately and to stay with friends and family until the floods recede. Council, Army and Garda personnel will be on the ground in these areas throughout the day to advise and to assist people in vacating their properties.
The river levels of the River Nore and Barrow continue to rise and pose a serious risk to towns along both rivers especially Inistioge, Thomastown, Bennettsbridge and parts of Kilkenny City along the River Breagagh.
The level of the River Nore has now peaked in Kilkenny City and it will peak in Thomastown at approx. 6pm this evening and will peak in Inistioge at approx. 7.30pm.
The council issued the following information……
A Multi Agency response
A Multi Agency response is now in place. Kilkenny County Council including its Fire Service is supported by An Garda Siochana the Army, Civil Defence.
Road Closures
The R700 from New Ross to Kilkenny City has been closed. Alternative route is the M9 via the N25. The advice of Chief Superintendent of An Garda Siochana, Dominic Hayes is to avoid Inistioge, Thomastown and Bennettsbridge.
Properties to be Vacated
Occupiers of properties in low lying areas of Bennettsbridge, Thomastown, Inistioge, and Graiguenamanagh are being advised to vacate their properties immediately and to stay with friends and family until the floods recede. Council, Army and Garda personnel will be on the ground in these areas throughout the day to advise and to assist people in vacating their properties.
Sandbags
Sandbags will shortly be made available at the Green, Inistioge, the carpark opposite the Church in Bennettsbridge, at Thomastown Fire Station and in Graiguenamanagh.
Ongoing presence
Council staff including Fire Services personell who were out last night will be out again today in the flooded areas. They will be joined by up to 100 Army personnel and members of An Garda Siochana.
Safety Message
The public are being asked to stay away from the flooded areas. Not to drive or walk through floods. To obey the warning signs that have been put in place and obey any instructions of Council personnel and An Garda Siochana and not to make any unnecessary journeys. Should a journey be necessary the public are being asked to use the main roads and to slow down as there is spot flooding all over the county.
Road Closures
R700 is being closed between New Ross and Kilkenny. The alternative route is the N25 and the M9 Motorway.
The R448 is being closed between Paulstown and Knocktopher. The alternative route is the R711, the N10 and the M9 via Danesfort. (i.e The old main route from Paulstown to Kilkenny City Ring Road to Danesfort).
Helplines
Dedicated helplines have been set up.
If any person requires assistance they should contact the following numbers:
056 779 4466 or 056 779 4463.
