Flood alert as extensive rain forecast

Emergency services were on alert last night as Met Éireann issued a fresh flood warning.

Emergency services were on alert last night as Met Éireann issued a fresh flood warning.

Widespread rain from the Atlantic and strengthening winds are expected today, leaving already damaged parts of the country dangerously exposed to the threat of localised flooding.

Dublin's deputy city engineer, Mr Tom Leahy, told The Irish Times that normal drainage crews were on standby in the event of further flooding in the Dublin area.

"Senior staff are monitoring the situation", said Mr Leahy." We never sleep, our staff on duty are on call 24 hours a day", he added.

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Dublin City drainage staff were monitoring data from tide gauges and Met Éireann last night.

The River Tolka was responsible for much of the damage last week, leaving a trail of destruction from Dunboyne in Meath, through Clonee, Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown and on into the city where northern suburbs were flooded.

The water table in the eastern region still remained high last night, according to Mr Leahy.

Met Éireann said last night, "after a dry start everywhere, more rain will spread north-eastwards across the country later in the day and after dark, accompanied by strengthening south-easterly winds."

In Meath, the Civil Defence remained on alert after receiving the warning from Met Éireann.

"We're all on alert, but as of now there doesn't appear to be an immediate threat to residents", said Mr Michael Fitzsimmons, Meath's chief civil defence officer.

"The water levels have dropped considerably since the weekend, but we are on standby in the event of anything happening in the near future", Mr Leahy told The Irish Times.

Last week's flooding of the eastern counties was seen by many as the worst natural disaster in 50 years, claiming one victim and costing tens of millions of euro to homes, businesses and public services. Emergency services remain on full alert with 24-hour watches in many areas.

Labour MEP for Dublin, Mr Prionsias De Rossa, is appealing for emergency financial assistance from the European Union for the flood victims.

"The European Union must help Irish authorities by putting the necessary resources in place to process applications for relief funding as quickly as possible", said Mr De Rossa.

"The floods caused particular trauma to many families whose homes were destroyed", he added.