Relief efforts are being stepped up across Ireland after Storm Chandra caused severe flooding and widespread disruption, particularly in the east and south-east of the country. Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced enhanced emergency financial assistance for those affected, saying the scale of damage requires a stronger response.
Although Harris is currently on an official visit to Croatia, he said he is closely monitoring developments and remains in constant contact with emergency services and government departments.
Severe damage across multiple regions
Heavy rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks in Enniscorthy and Bunclody, leaving large parts of Enniscorthy under water and forcing businesses to shut. In Dublin, serious flooding was reported in areas including Howth and Churchtown, with homes inundated and roads rendered impassable.
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Electricity: Around 20,000 homes and businesses lost power at the height of the storm
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Transport: Rail services between Dublin and Rosslare were suspended after tracks flooded; around 30 flightswere cancelled at Dublin Airport
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Education: Over 300 schools were closed in Northern Ireland, while a number of schools in the Republic faced closures or disruption
Emergency financial support
The Taoiseach confirmed that households who lost essential items will be eligible for immediate payments of up to €5,000. In addition, small businesses and charities badly affected by flooding can apply for grants of up to €20,000.
Harris said current limits on emergency aid are outdated and confirmed they will be reviewed and increased, reflecting the growing impact of extreme weather events.
Rethinking weather warnings
The government is also reviewing how weather warnings are issued. There has been criticism that Status Yellow and Orange warnings from Met Éireann do not always convey the real danger to the public.
Harris said flooding can be devastating even on days with a yellow warning and confirmed the government is considering a new warning system. This would factor in soil saturation, river levels and cumulative rainfall, not just short-term rainfall forecasts.
He said lessons must be learned from Storm Chandra, adding that Ireland must adapt more quickly as extreme weather events become more frequent and more damaging.