Wexford County Council and local fire service personnel currently stationed at Wexford Quay setting up aqua dams

Wexford County Council and local fire service personnel are currently stationed at Wexford Quay, where they are setting up aqua dams in preparation for heavy rainfall.

Local authorities across the east and south-east have been put on high alert following the issuance of additional rain warnings.The River Slaney is already at high levels, raising concerns of flooding in Wexford Harbour. Wexford County council have set up temporary flood defenses, including sandbag walls and portable barriers. Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe is asking locals to be vigilant around coastlines.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) and its related Subgroups met again today (Wednesday) to continue to prepare for the risk of further flooding this week.

The NECG is warning that we are entering another challenging phase over Thursday and Friday, with orange and yellow rain warnings in place. Significant rainfall is expected in areas already affected by flooding over the last period.

The NECG has emphasised that, due to river flows, heavy rain in one county can impact on flood-prone areas in another even where less significant rain has fallen due to river flows.

Local authorities and other response agencies are briefed on the situation, monitoring the risks and stand ready to take any actions necessary to protect communities.

Already, they have been deploying and replenishing sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. Local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams are continuing to meet to assess the situation and respond, as needed, to protect communities.