Waterford feels the effects of Storm Chandra as weather warning set to continue

Passage East was one of many towns and villages across Waterford that fell victim to Storm Chandra, with the coastal village experiencing intense flooding on Friday, January 30.

A brook above the village overflowed during a period of sustained rainfall in a status yellow weather warning, damaging nearby properties.

Local Independent councillor Declan Barry said the flooding had been telegraphed days in advance, yet no preventative action had been taken by the council.

The village has also dealt with long periods of unreliable water services, with locals reporting inconsistent water pressure that has led to dishwashers and showers breaking prematurely.

Water supply to the village was temporarily cut off on Thursday, January 29.

Uisce Éireann said they were “aware of ongoing low water pressure issues impacting customers in Passage East". 

“We understand the inconvenience this is causing for homes and businesses in the area,” Uisce Éireann said.

“Our teams have been on site investigating the cause of the reduced pressure, which appears to be linked to a blockage on the watermains serving the village.

“Crews are continuing works to clear the obstruction and restore normal supply as quickly and as safely as possible.” 

In Waterford city, a section of the Inner Ring Road was shut down due to intense flooding.

In Portlaw, a sinkhole on Mount Bolton Road has ensured the road’s closure for the foreseeable future.

Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Burke said the road outside the village of Kill that leads to Kilmeaden had become flooded.

Counties in the South East of Ireland were hit the worst by the storm, with the River Slaney in Wexford bursting its banks, causing widespread damage.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to travel to different areas of the South East hit by the storm.

Yellow Rain Warning 

The stormy weather still shows no signs of respite.

Met Éireann has issued a moderate weather advisory for Ireland until Monday, February 9. A Status Yellow Rain Warning for Waterford will remain in place until 9am on Tuesday, February 3.

In a statement issued on February 1, Waterford City and County Council said: “Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group (NECG) this morning and ground crews have been working overnight and will continue working today and over the coming days to alleviate flooding, clean up in its aftermath, and prepare for the risk of further flooding.

“Waterford City and County Council advises the public to continue to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions may be hazardous, as surface water remains on many routes.”

Additional rainfall could trigger further flooding in the context of already saturated ground. High tides are expected to impede river discharge and increase flood risk, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.

Emergency schemes designed to aid communities and small businesses affected by the flooding are available through the Community Welfare Service and Irish Red Cross.

The Irish Red Cross has also set up a helpline (01-6424648) to provide support to distressed people affected by flooding.