UPDATED: FLOODING: Carlow/Kilkenny Affected Areas

Last updated: Saturday, 16:53pm.

Latest update from Kilkenny County Council

Press Release-Kilkenny County Councils Flood Emergency Response

Issued on Saturday 2^nd January 2015 

Road Closures.

• Main Street Graiguenamanagh remains open to traffic.
• Inistioge is now open to traffic.
• The quay in Thomastown remains flooded and closed to traffic with diversions in place for local traffic.
• The R448 from Paulstown to Knocktoper  has reopened.
• The Bleach Rd near Kilkenny City remains closed to traffic..
• The Annamult Rd at Bennettsbridge remains closed
• The Ardaloo Rd Threecastles(linking R693 Freshford Road and N77 Ballyragget Road) remains closed.
• Motorists are advised to travel with extreme caution on the N24, in particular on both approaches to Mooncoin Village.  There is significant  flooding on parts of this roadway with traffic down to single lane in some locations.

General Update.

• The Duiske River has flooded again this morning with levels in both the Duiske and Barrow Rivers remaining very high.  There is no reduction in river levels on the Barrow. Local Authority staff are on site in Graiguenamanagh since early morning, flooding is under control with pumps in place,Main Street has remained open to traffic.
• River Levels in the Nore and Suir remain at very high levels.
• Surface water flooding on the N24 approaching Mooncoin Village is significant and motorists are advised to travel with extreme caution.

Public Safety Message.

• Pedestrians are advised to  stay away from rivers and river Banks-rivers are swollen with strong current & river banks are very unstable.
• Please do not visit flooded areas unnecessarily.
• Motorist are advised to exercise caution while driving today-roads are flooded in many locations, there is considerable debris on roads and road surfaces are damaged .
• Slow down and be considerate of all road users.

END

Sandbags

Sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Urlingford-At Fire Station
• Freshford-Fire Station
• Kilkenny City-FireStation
• Piltown Community Centre
• Mooncoin-Church Cap Park
• Inistioge-Kilkenny Rd Lay-bye
• Cloghabrody Thomastown
• Graiguenamanagh-Fairview Car Park
• Callan Fire Station

 

Latest update from Carlow County Council

Issued 03/01/2016

UPDATE AT 9.30am ON 3rd JANUARY 2016

HIGH RIVER LEVELS:

The levels of the River Barrow and Burren remain very high and have only dropped slightly since yesterday. They are still below the peak levels reached on Wednesday evening last. It is anticipated that the river levels may increase following last nights rain which has now cleared Carlow.

The flood defence works carried out in Carlow Town since 2009 have not been tested to this extent before now and are generally holding well. Council staff continue to monitor the situation closely and remain on high alert to respond to any issues that may arise.

Upstream of Carlow Town the Regional Road linking Carlow to Athy (R417) is flooded at the Lerr Bridge and at other locations in Co.Kildare due to the high level of the Barrow. The road remains impassable and motorists wishing to travel from Carlow to Athy and back are advised to use the M9 Motorway. ( unfortunately, some inconsiderate motorists continue to attempt to drive through this flood. Apart from the danger to themselves, their actions cause water to be pushed in on properties of adjacent residents. Motorists are requested to desist from these actions )

Downstream of Carlow Town the Local Rd L3038/9 is impassable at Clogrennane and Fonthill. Motorists should take an alternative route on this local route.

At Leighlinbridge, flood defence works continue to hold but constant overpumping of water, by Council pumps, from behind the flood defences is required.

Flooding of the Quay in Muinebheag has again occurred on the Leighlinbridge side of Aldi. Motorists are requested to avoid the area.

The water level of the Barrow at Tinnahinch has receded slightly. Further sandbags were placed yesterday to help protect flooded properties from further flooding. Personnel and pumps are  on standby should the river level rise again and the situation escalate.

A number of houses at the Quay in St.Mullins were flooded earlier in the week and inhabitants have had to evacuate.

The River Slaney at Tullow is rising again after last nights rain but is well below the peak level reached on Wednesday last. Council staff continue to monitor the situation closely and are on alert to deal with any issues that might arise. Flood defences at Tullow have worked very well to date.

There have again been numerous incidents of spot flooding on the counties roads. This has given rise to some issues for adjacent property owners. The Council’s resources have been stretched to the limit to deal with these incidents. With drains being full and ground water levels now being so high there is little or no place for the run-off water to go. Council staff have been dealing with these issues where possible. Warning signage is being erected and sandbags are being delivered where appropriate. Staff remain on alert to continue to deal with issues as they arise.

FORECAST:

Cold, wet and windy for a time this morning, with the rain heavy and accompanied by fresh to strong and gusty southeast winds. But the afternoon will be drier and brighter, with some scattered showers. Top afternoon temperatures 8 or 9 C., in moderate southerly breezes.

Misty and mostly cloudy tonight with slack winds and just a few clear spells. Some further showers at times, some heavy, but dry periods too and some fog is likely to develop in places. Cool, lowest temperatures 2 to 5 C.

Monday will be a cool, fairly cloudy, misty day, with just a few bright or short sunny spells. Some showers at times too, with some heavy ones in places. Highs of 7 or 8 C., in light to moderate variable or easterly breezes.

 

Listen back as Thomastown resident spoke to The Saturday Show’s Edward Hayden about being rescued with his 8-week-old baby…

 

DF support @KilkennyNotices with serious flood in Graiguenamanagh.4 #flood relief advice go2 https://t.co/XFJuGClqYl pic.twitter.com/qk0btKmCJd

— Irish Defence Forces (@defenceforces) January 1, 2016

Graiguenamanagh Main Street approx 8.50pm

Local businesses pumping the water out of their properties in Graignamanagh @kclr96fm @SeanKeaneKPnews pic.twitter.com/pdoS1teMbC

— Edward Hayden (@EdwardHayden) January 1, 2016

Graiguenamanagh Main Street approx 7.20pm.

WEATHER WARNING

STATEMENT FROM KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL issued 7pm Friday 1st January 2016:

Flooding Alert- Whilst flooding could occur throughout the County, the following areas are likely to experience flooding:

Graiguenamanagh:  Duiske River

As of 17.45pm on 1^st January flooding is imminent. Fire Service, Kilkenny County Council and Civil Defence in attendance.

Sandbags will be available at the Fairview Car Park

Freshford
Nuenna River levels have increased by 18 inches over the past few hours with the risk of imminent flooding.  Local authority personnel are on site to assist supported by Fire Service and Civil Defence members.
Sandbags are available at Freshford Fire Station, and the Army has delivered an additional supply of sandbags to assist in protecting property.

 

Thomastown: River Nore

Fire Service and Civil Defence in Thomastown with reports that residents have been warned that the Nore is to burst its banks tonight. [This particular report not from Council but from resident of Thomastown.]

Sandbags are available at Cloghabrody

Inistioge: River Nore

Sandbags available at the lay-by on the Kilkenny side of the village

There is a Status Yellow weather warning in place for County Kilkenny. Up to 35mm of rainfall can be expected in the period to 9am tomorrow.

Additionally there is a European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) Flash Flooding Warning in place for the South East.

While flood levels in streams and rivers have receded in the past 24 hours there is a strong possibility of flash floods on many small watercourses, streams and rivers in the next 24 hours. Where flood defences have been deployed they should be retained. Where they have been demobilised they should be remobilised.

Over and above the sandbags previously distributed, I note that 300 sand bags were delivered to the Piltown Community Centre yesterday evening and a further 300 are being delivered to Freshford Fire Station this evening.

Sand bags are also available at Clogabrody Depot (Thomastown) and the R700 approach to Inistioge.

 

Given the current weather forecast for the area, Kilkenny County Council advises that flash flooding is highly likely around the County over the next 24 hours.

The public are being asked to stay away from the flooded areas including unprotected river banks & quays and to take measures to protect their property

Motorists are urged to exercise caution on all roads when driving and to obey any warning signs that have been put in place and to slow down and stay safe, and to avoid unnecessary travel

Kilkenny County Council has put in place mitigation measures and a full list of actions will be available via the Council’s website, social media and local radio, in addition to the deployment of local resources.

END

STATEMENT FROM CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL 19.00 1/1/2016

HIGH RIVER LEVELS:

The River Barrow is 300mm lower than when it peaked on Wednesday evening. The River Burren has dropped by 440mm in the same period. However, as a result of the this afternoons and the current heavy rain, both rivers are starting to rise again

The flood defence works carried out in Carlow Town since 2009 have not been tested to this extent before now and are generally holding well. Council staff are remaining vigilant and monitoring any isolated leakage through the defences.

Upstream of Carlow Town the Regional Road linking Carlow to Athy (R417) is flooded at the Lerr Bridge and at other locations in Co.Kildare due to the high level of the Barrow. The road remains impassable and motorists wishing to travel from Carlow to Athy and back are advised to use the M9 Motorway.

Downstream of Carlow Town the Local Rd L3038/9 is impassable at Clogrennane and Fonthill. Motorists should take an alternative route on this local route.

At Leighlinbridge, flood defence works continue to hold but constant overpumping of water, by Council pumps, from behind the flood defences is required.

The Quay at Tinnahinch also flooded badly. A number of properties were affected. The level of the Barrow has receded since Wednesday and the properties and quayside have been pumped clear by the Fire Service. Pumps are maintained on standby should the river rise again.

A number of houses at the Quay in St.Mullins were also flooded and inhabitants have had to evacuate.

The River Slaney at Tullow is 1.1m lower than when it peaked on Wednesday afternoon but is also starting to rise again.

Council staff remain on alert and are monitoring the situation.

Earlier Updates

River Levels

The level on the Rivers Barrow and Burrin in Carlow continue to fall, albeit slowly. The levels of the River Barrow has fallen 200mm since peaking on Wednesday evening while the Burren has fallen by 350mm.

The River Slaney, at Tullow, has dropped by over 1.1m since Wednesday afternoon’s peak.

Road Closures

The following Road Closures remain in place:

• Thomastown Quay-no through road -It is expected that water levels will drop and that the Quay can be re-opened which will in turn open the full R700 from New Ross to Kilkenny. Local Signposting is in place. (The alternative route via the N25 and M9 Motorway)
• R448 from Paulstown to Knocktopher (alternative route is R711, the N10 to Danesfort –i.e. the old main route from Paultown to Kilkenny City Ring Road to Danesfort)
• Bridge at Kilmanagh creamery impassable

This is expected to open in the next few hours

• Coolnahaw-on a back road from Mullinavat to Thomastown-Drainage works in progress and should be completed tomorrow.
• The Annamult Road (Bennettsbridge to Ennisnag) remains closed,
• the Ardaloo Road (Freshford Road to Ballyragget Road).
• Bleach Rd near Kilkenny City
• Ardaloo Rd between Freshford and Ballyragget

Also

• The road from Waterford to Carrick On Suir is severely flooded at Aglish/Curraghamartin and at the Carrick On Suir side of Mooncoin-The road is down to a single lane at both locations and is passable with care.
• The Kilkenny-Freshford is flooded in parts motorists should drive with care.
• Numerous minor road closures are also in place in many parts of the County
• Graignamanagh Bridge now impassable (19.00 1/1/2016)
• The road between Knocktopher & Monroe cross at Ballyhale now impassable as well

Roads re-opened

• Main Street Graignamanagh is passable with care- local diversions also in place
• R704 from Mullinavat to New Ross
• Inistioge is now passable
• Main Street Piltown
• Old N9 at Grannagh
• The Circular Rd in Kilkenny City
• The Rock Rd Inistioge

Sandbags

• The Council has provided over 5000 sandbags to affected areas over the past few days.
• Filled Sandbags are being made available tonight & tomorrow outside of the Councils depot at Thomastown (Cloghabrody), Newrath and Gaol Rd Kilkenny and will be delivered to the Community Centre in Piltown.

Clean up

The Council continues to clean up streets and public areas of Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown & Inistioge.

Public Safety Message

The public are being asked to stay away from the flooded areas included unprotected river banks & quays.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving over the week end to obey the warning signs that have been put in place and to slow down and stay safe.

Power Outages – last updated 01/01/2016 @ 16.50

ESB have no power outages reported in Carlow or Kilkenny this evening.

For updates click here via Powercheck.ie.

Meanwhile, Irish Water updates can be found here

Emergency Contact Details

If you’re in Kilkenny & need assistance Kilkenny County Council staff are manning the following lines: 056-7794466 & 056-7794463.  Sandbags are available at all 7 fire stations in the county.

If you’re in Carlow & need help the 24 hour line is 01-2568652.

The Order of Malta is available if needed on 087-9865277 & 087-2395685

Traffic & Travel

Irish Rail tell us that their trains are running to schedule

Bus Eireann has had some disruption to its services – updates here

Road Closures, Kilkenny:

• R704 from Mullinavat to New Ross. Alternative route via the N25
• R700 from New Ross to Kilkenny. Alternative route via the N25  and M9
• R448 from Paulstown to Knocktopher. Alternative route is R711, the N10 to Danesfort.
• Main street Graignamanagh – no through traffic – local diversions in place
• Bleach Road near Kilkenny city
• plus numerous minor road closures remain in place
• Quay in Thomastown

Roads re-opened, Kilkenny:

• Main street Piltown
• Old N9 at Grannagh
• The Circular Road in Kilkenny City
• The Rock Road Inistioge

Road Closures, Carlow: 

• Carlow to Athy Road. Alternative route via the M9
• back road from Carlow to Leighlinbridge is closed at Clogrennane and Fonthill
• Castleview Street Graiguecullen Carlow is completely impassable

 

Other information: 

• Burrin River in Carlow is very high. Almost 2 inches higher than 2009. The Milrace, Springfield and Hanover Cresent housing estates are on high alert this afternoon.

 

Care is required on the Waterford to Carrick On Suir Road at Anglish/Curraghamartin and at the Carrick On Suir side of Mooncoin. The road is severely flooded but is passable with care.

Event Cancellations

Thomastown Community River Trust has postponed the New Year’s Day Big Splash sponsored swim. It will now take place on Feb 7.

Businesses Affected

Thomastown Credit Union is closed until further notice

Banks

All branches of Bank of Ireland in Carlow and Kilkenny are open today.

 

***Wednesday, 30th December***

Flooding: Kilkenny

• Main Street Piltown: reopened
• Old N9 at Grannagh: reopened
• Numerous minor Roads are closed in South Kilkenny and these may not be signposted- Motorists should therefore take great care if driving this evening and tonight.
• The Ardaloo Road near Jenkinstown- Kilkenny County Council will be re enforcing the Road Closures barriers at this location so as to prevent traffic travelling across this road due to the damage being caused to properties on this roadway.
• Advice is that Bennettsbridge, Inistioge, Thomastown should be avoided.
• Fire personnel are pumping water out of a premises on Bridge Street in Callan, the area’s impassable while they carry out this work – use the Bypass instead (3:20pm)
• Flooding at turn towards Jenkinstown Woods in Kilkenny on N78, Kilkenny /  Castlecomer Road
• Bennettsbridge Road in Kilkenny from the Ring Road to Bennettsbridge is closed – local access only
• The road to the Canal Walk carpark from Castle Road in Kilkenny is closed
• The R700 between Kilkenny & New Ross is closed.  Alternative routes via M9 & N25.
• The 448 Paulstown to Knocktopher road is closed – travel instead via the R711, the N10 & M9 via Danesfort (ie the old main route from Paulstown to Kilkenny City Ring Road to Danesfort)
• Durrow to Ballyragget Road is impassable as the river burst its banks this (Wed) lunchtime.
• Lots of surface water and possible flooding Kilkenny / Urlingford / Kilkenny
• Graiguenamanagh main street impassable to the bridge (see videos below)
• College road (Kilkenny) to Ballycallan Road closed. Local access only.
• Flooding on road at Goslingstown, Kilkenny (between Tennypark Cross and Bamford Cross – linking Callan Road and Kells Road)
• The Callan Road at Tennypark Cross has a lot of surface water – approach with caution
• Gardaí in Thomastown say that as a result of flooding in the town, The Quay and Marshes St (Station Rd) are both impassable. A number of homes and the library in Thomastown are flooded. Library will remain closed for foreseeable.
• The road at the main gates of Mount Juliet is impassable.
• Care is advised travelling on the Urlingford/Kilkenny Rd (R693) due to excess surface water and possible flooding in parts.
• Flooding is an issue on the Freshford/Ballyragget Rd (R694). Avoid the route if possible.
• The Parksgrove area of Ballyragget is badly flooded.
• Bleech Rd in Kilkenny City is closed following flooding.
• Reports of flooding along the Ardaloo Road.
• Reports that Annamult road between Bennettsbridge and Ennisnag is once again impassable due to flooding at Mosse Pottery.
• Gardaí say there is now no way through Inistioge at all due to flooding. Some homes have been flooded.
• Road out of Kells at the Glory Bridge is flooded and impassable for cars.
• There is flooding on the Old Waterford/Dublin Rd (R448) between Thomastown and Gowran at Kilfane and as a result the road is impassable.
• Areas around Crosspatrick and Galmoy also badly flooded.
• Road between Johnstown and Cullahill at glashare has very bad flooding.
• Main St in Graiguenamanagh flooded as River Duiske has burst its banks.
• The Council with the assistance of the Army is continuing to make available sand bags to the affected areas.

FLOODING: Carlow

• Carlow Upstream of Carlow Town the Regional Road linking Carlow to Athy (R417) is flooded at the Lerr Bridge due to the high level of the Barrow. The road is impassable and motorists wishing to travel from Carlow to Athy and back are advised to use the M9 Motorway.
• Downstream of Carlow Town the Local Rd L3038/9 is impassable at Clogrennane and Fonthill. Motorists should take an alternative route on this local route.
• At Leighlinbridge, flood defence works continue to hold but constant overpumping of water, by Council pumps, from behind the flood defences is required.
• Flooding of the Quay in Muinebheag has also occurred on the Leighlinbridge side of Aldi. This is passable but motorists are advised to avoid the area.
• The Quay at Tinnahinch is also flooded badly. A number of properties have been affected. The level of the Barrow has receded slightly  and this is allowing the Fire Service to win the battle to pump water from the area. The Fire Service is continuing to pump here.
• The high level of the River Burren (it has risen 500mm since yesterday evening at 8pm) is also causing concern from the Millrace Housing Estate down to Burren Bridge in
• Carlow Town. Recent works done on the millrace at the back of the Housing Estate have helped to protect the estate up to now but Council staff are remaining vigilant and continue to monitor the situation.
• The River Slaney, at Tullow, has risen over 1metre since yesterday evening at 8pm. Again the Flood Defence works are containing the water in the river.

Photos

Gallery of photos taken by KCLR reporter and photographer, Paul Doyle of Thomastown and Inistioge today

Current situation in Graiguenamanagh this evening via KCLR presenter, Edward Hayden

Live from Turkmarket Graignamanagh for @kclr96fm @HazelBakerSky @SeanKeaneKPnews .. #StormFrank pic.twitter.com/xyq887SQcR

— Edward Hayden (@EdwardHayden) December 29, 2015

Heavy floods in Graignamanagh @SeanKeaneKPnews @kclr96fm pic.twitter.com/Iejer4v997

— Edward Hayden (@EdwardHayden) December 29, 2015

Photo: Mark Bolger via Carlow Weather

If you see something we haven’t mentioned here, call us on 1890 90 96 96 or text us on 083 306 96 96.