ESB increases dam discharge following recent heavy rains

The ESB is releasing 150 cubic metres of water every second from the Inniscarra Dam following recent heavy rains.

The release of the significant volumes of water combined with increased river flows from tributaries of the River Lee downstream from the Dam has led to flooding on the Lee Fields making many paths impassable.

"There has been heavy rainfall over the last week in the Lee catchment, which resulted in large flows on the Lee and its tributaries, including those downstream of Inniscarra," the ESB said.

As of 4pm on Friday, the water levels in the Inniscarra reservoir behind the dam was at 47.15 metres, significantly below the 50.9-metre height of the dam.

"Discharges at Inniscarra are currently 150 cubic metres per second (cumec). The situation will continue to be closely monitored and discharges will be adjusted as required."

The said they will continue to advise downstream residents and stakeholders of the discharges and will continue to liaise closely with Cork City and County Councils.

Met Éireann is forecasting further heavy wind and rain for tonight.

They have issued a nationwide Yellow alert warning saying accumulations could reach between 30mm to 50mm between midnight and midnight Sunday.

South to southeast winds will increase to reach 55 to 60 km/h during Saturday morning, strongest in the east.

Later on Saturday afternoon or evening winds veer west to northwest and further increase to reach 55 to 65 km/h with severe gusts of 90 to 110 km/h, possibly exceeding these limits for a time.