A multi-agency response is underway to combat flooding in Co Down, with a major rail line closed and parts of the Dublin-Belfast motorway flooded.
Rail services between Dublin and Belfast were cancelled on Tuesday morning due to flooding between Portadown and Newry.
Irish Rail and Translink said the line was closed until further notice, with bus services in place between Belfast and Newry.
Flooding has also stopped traffic near the Border on the N1/A1 motorway. Images show cars backed up near Carrickdale, Co Louth, and Google traffic data reveal long delays on the road.
Sections of Newry remain underwater following heavy rain on Monday night and Tuesday morning. People are being advised to avoid the area.
The Chamber has an emergency meeting at 11am today with @nmdcouncil to discuss the devastating overnight flooding and support available for the local businesses affected.
If your property is at risk and you believe that sand bags may help, please contact:
0300 2000 100 pic.twitter.com/WVVP5uJplQAdvertisement— Newry Chamber (@NewryChamber) October 31, 2023
The city’s canal burst its banks overnight leaving flooding in the areas of Sugar Island, Kildare Street, Canal Quay and part of Bridge Street.
Newry resident Dessie Heatley described the scenes as a “repeat of what happened here around 35 years ago”.
“We were up and down here in boats,” he said.
“It’s pretty bad, I’m sure all the shopkeepers are raging, we’d no warning or nothing.”
Just across the Border in Co Louth, a bridge close to Riverstown partially collapsed amid rising waters on the Cooley Peninsula.
Homes in Rosslare, Co Wexford, were swamped by flooding on Monday, with several residents taken from their properties in an inflatable dinghy.
Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan expressed concern for those caught up by the latest flooding on the island.
“My heart goes out to those up in Cooley/Carlingford, down in Wexford I know there has been particular flooding, as well as Newry, as well as what happened to Middleton [Co Cork] obviously a few weeks ago,” he told RTÉ radio.
“Those parts of the country in the south-east tend to be more at risk because of softer ground conditions at the coast. Because there’s also a kind of a longer term trend in terms of that coastline lowering slightly and also obviously rising sea levels.
“So it is connected to climate change. We have to manage and protect our coasts and our people. We can do that, but we have to recognise the reality – the seas are rising, there are particular difficulties also with heavier rains coming, as well as the other elements of coastal erosion.”
Met Éireann says spot flooding is expected in Ulster throughout Tuesday morning before clearing slowly northwards. A separate rain warning for Co Kerry will be in place for 24 hours from 12pm on Tuesday.
The forecaster warned of the likely potential of flooding this week, with further rain falling on already saturated lands and high-flowing rivers.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Storm Ciarán is set to bring more heavy rain and strong winds, with Munster and Leinster set to be among areas worst affected.
Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure said police were warning people not to travel on Tuesday morning.
It said: “These warnings follow an extremely wet weekend where flooding has already occurred on many roads.
“The persistent wet conditions on saturated ground and with higher river levels this will inevitably lead to more localised flooding. Traffic disruption is possible, and the public are being asked to consider their journeys and take extra care if travel is necessary.
“It may be necessary to close roads or put temporary restrictions in place.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “Persistent heavy rain will lead to further flooding, and we would ask the public to take steps to minimise risk.
“Please stay at home where possible and do not make unnecessary journeys. If you must travel, please bear the prevailing conditions in mind.
“Reduce your speed and drive with extra caution. Excess surface water could lead to aquaplaning, and there is the potential for cars to get stuck in just a few inches of floodwater. Visibility is likely to be severely reduced.
“Consider the potential risks before you leave. Do not place yourself or others in unnecessary danger.”
