Heavy rain and widespread flooding have brought parts of Ireland to a standstill, with Dublin, Wicklow, Louth and Waterford among the worst affected. The government has advised employees to work from home today, while schools are closing on a regional basis due to dangerous travel conditions.
Minister of State for Transport Sean Canney urged the public to travel only if essential, warning that road conditions are extremely hazardous. “Working from home is better than risking your life trying to get to work,” he said, adding that employers are expected to understand the need for remote working, as proven during the Covid period.
The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) said the situation is critical for the next 24 to 48 hours, with high tides, swollen rivers and further heavy rainfall expected. NECG chair Keith Leonard warned of severe disruption to roads and said homes and businesses from Dublin to Waterford could be badly affected through Saturday. Flood defences, sandbag distribution and continuous river monitoring are underway.
Orange weather alert and school closures
An orange rain and flooding warning is in place for Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford and Louth, with several other counties under yellow alert. The Department of Education has issued guidance allowing individual school managements to decide on closures, based on local risk, transport safety and advice from emergency services.
Schools have been asked to keep parents informed via text and email and to monitor updates from Met Éireann, local authorities and emergency agencies. The department said lost class time may be recovered later if necessary.
Travel and safety advice
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Avoid non-essential travel
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Do not drive through floodwater
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Slow down and keep safe distances
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Stay away from rivers, coastal areas and flood-prone roads
Met Éireann warned that rain will remain very heavy and persistent, with flooding likely to continue across eastern and southeastern counties. Authorities stressed that while disruption is severe, preventing loss of life remains the priority.