LIVE: Further floods reported on roads and properties in Cork

LATEST 2.35pm

Uisce Éireann said it is working to restore water supply as quickly as possible to customers in Kilbehenny Village and Mitchelstown North following a shutdown of the Mitchelstown Water Treatment due to Storm Babet.

As a result, it said that customers in the area may still experience low pressure and/or interruptions to their water supply. 

"Dedicated water services engineers are onsite working to get the water treatment plant back into operation as soon as possible. To support customers, an alternative water supply is available at the car park of the Firgrove Hotel. Customers are reminded to bring their own containers and to boil the water before use," Uisce Éireann said. 

Speaking about the unplanned outage, Water Operations Lead for Uisce Éireann, Niall O’Riordan said: “The effects of the heavy rainfall from Storm Babet forced the water treatment plant to shutdown. Expert crews are still onsite working hard to get it back into operation as soon as possible and restore customers’ water supply. We regret any inconvenience as a result of this issue and thank the local community for their patience.” 

Meanwhile, Cork County Council has announced the urgent and immediate closure of the R627 Midleton to Dungourney Road near Ballinacole Cross from today to facilitate the replacement of a collapsed culvert.

2.10pm. 

Properties and roads across the county have experienced further flooding. 

Cork County Council said that it had received reports of properties flooded in Cobh, Mogeely, Ballinhassig and Glounthaune.

1/2 Road flooding has been reported in the following areas; Ballyspillane and R630, Midleton, Leamlara to Carrigtwohill, Castlelyons, Conna Village, Newberry to Mallow, Buffers Cross, Liscarroll to Buttevant, Liscarroll to Bog Cross, Ballyhea, Ballyclogh, pic.twitter.com/tUuWRLM5jr

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) October 20, 2023

Road flooding has been reported in a number of areas across the county namely: Ballyspillane and R630, Midleton, Leamlara to Carrigtwohill, Ardskeagh Ballyhea, Castlelyons, Conna Village, Newberry to Mallow, Buffers Cross, Liscarroll to Buttevant, Liscarroll to Bog Cross, Ballyhea, Ballyclogh, Kilcoolishal Estate, Glounthaune, Water Rock, Shournagh Line at Foxes Bridge, Glen Road, Passage West, Ballea Road an Main Street and Carrigaline.

The local authority's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened early this morning to evaluate the impact of heavy overnight rainfall across the county. 

There had been concerns that Midleton would experience further flooding this morning. 

In a statement, Cork County Council said that peak tide in Midleton had passed at 9:30am this morning reducing the risk of further flooding in Midleton Town Centre. 

It said a traffic management operation remains in place with Community Welfare Officers on-site in Midleton all day today and 10am to 12 noon tomorrow. 

"Cork County Council continues to actively monitor the situation in the town," it added. 

The local authority said that the road network across the county has been impacted with rolling road closures.

"Cork County Council appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the public as efforts continue to mitigate the impact of the severe weather.

"Cork County Council is again asking members of the public to exercise extreme caution as driving conditions may be hazardous, with surface flooding possible. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain. Motorists are also asked to be especially conscious of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians," it added. 

The Council said it will continue to inspect and undertake emergency repair works on the roads most severely impacted across the region, while also commencing the considerable clean-up programme that lies ahead. 

Issues such as flooding and road damage should be reported to your local Council Office during working hours (9am to 5pm), details of which can be found the Council's website www.corkcoco.ie.

Outside working hours (5pm to 9am), the Council can be contacted via its 'Emergency Out of Hours' number (021) 4800048.

In the event of disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.

In the event of disruption to water supply, please contact Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.

Call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate.

Cork County Council will continue to monitor this situation.

1.30pm

Cork County Council is advising that the road is now closed at Ardskeagh, Ballyhea. 

It follows reports of flooding in parts of North Cork earlier. 

Other areas affected include Castlelyons, Conna Village, Newberry to Mallow, Buffers Cross, Liscarroll to Buttevant, Liscarroll to Bog Cross, Ballyhea and Ballyclogh. 

Meanwhile, Cork City Council is advising that the R579, which was closed earlier, is now open.

"Please drive with care as there is a lot of surface water on the road surface," Cork City Council said on X. 

12.50pm

Cork County Council have confirmed that peak tide in Midleton passed at 9.30am this morning reducing the risk of further flooding in Midleton Town Centre. 

The local authority is actively monitoring the situation. A traffic management operation is in place.

They have again requested that people avoid the town centre to facilitate the clean up operation.

📢 Please be advised Youghal Civic Amenity Site is currently closed.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will issue an update when available. pic.twitter.com/t0tRarpGuq

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) October 20, 2023

12 noon

Cork County Council says it has received reports of road flooding in Kanturk and other areas in North Cork.

It has urged motorists to avoid driving through flowing or standing water, exercise extreme caution and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

It is continuing to advise people to avoid Midleton Town Centre. 

The local authority said that the Owenacurra river levels are steadily rising, heightening the risk of further flooding in the area.

"Cork County Council urgently advises residents and visitors to AVOID Midleton Town Center following heavy rainfall overnight," a statement said. 

"In light of this situation, Cork County Council urges everyone to prioritize their safety and cooperate with emergency services and council staff. Avoid traveling to the affected area and look to our official communication channels for updates.

"Cork County Council is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with emergency response teams. Further information and guidance will be provided as the situation develops. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the community during this challenging time," it added. 

In the city, motorists are advised that the Lee Road and the Blarney R579 are closed.

Cork City Council crews are on-site in both locations. 

Iarnród Éireann is advising that services between Glounthaune and Midleton remain suspended until further notice. Bus transfers are operating to/from Midleton station and Carrigtwohill Main Street.

9.10am

Cork County Council has issued an urgent notice, advising the public to avoid Midleton Town Centre. 

The local authority said that the Owenacurra river levels are steadily rising, heightening the risk of further flooding in the area.

"Cork County Council urgently advises residents and visitors to AVOID Midleton Town Center following heavy rainfall overnight," a statement said. 

"In light of this situation, Cork County Council urges everyone to prioritize their safety and cooperate with emergency services and council staff. Avoid traveling to the affected area and look to our official communication channels for updates.

"Cork County Council is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with emergency response teams. Further information and guidance will be provided as the situation develops. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the community during this challenging time," it added. 

🚨 Urgent Notice: Due to heavy overnight rainfall, Cork County Council advises the public to AVOID Midleton Town Center. The Owenacurra river levels are rising, posing a significant risk of flooding. Please stay safe. 🚨

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) October 20, 2023

8.30am

Residents and businesses in Midleton have been urged to be on alert "to the possibility of rapidly unfolding events in the coming hours". 

Cork County Council is warning that following further heavy rain overnight the Owenacurra river levels continue to rise resulting in a high risk of further flooding in the town. 

Authorities are this morning closely monitoring developments at a housing estate in Midleton which is at particular "high risk" of further flooding. 

A number of homes in the Woodlands Estate on the northern side of the town were flooded in the past 36 hours. 

Emergency services are present in the area, conducting door-to-door visits within the estate to ensure the safety of residents.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland this morning, Niall Healy, Director of Services, Roads and Transportation with Cork County Council said that crews have been on standby at the estate overnight amid "high concerns" that the estate could see further floods. 

He said that Midleton and Cobh Fire Service had been mobilised, and that the local authority is liaising with gardaí in relation to the possible evacuation of some residents. 

⚠️⚠️⚠️Flood levels of the Owenacurra River adjoining Woodlands Estate, Midleton, are being closely monitored as the potential for repeat flooding of some properties is HIGH. Gardai, Council crews and Fire Crews deployed to the scene. Residents advised to be on high alert.⚠️⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/pxrleHQeEK

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) October 20, 2023

Mr Healy said that not all properties were affected but that some were "particularly affected". 

He appealed to residents to "be on high alert" and to "engage with gardaí if they call to your door" in relation to evacuation. 

Mr Healy said that authorities were "watching closely at the moment" 

Please avoid Mill Road and Riverside Way Midleton. We are aware of a number of incidents across the county with debris, surface water, standing water and damage to roads. Please also be conscious of other road users especially pedestrians and cyclists. pic.twitter.com/wRbDYft8oQ

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) October 20, 2023

Cork County Council said its emergency coordination group is meeting in Midleton this morning. 

"We will continue to advise of developments," it said in a statement. 

Weather warning 

It follows significant rain overnight. 

A yellow rain warning remains in place in Cork this morning. 

Met Éireann is warning that heavy bursts of rain or showers coupled with waterlogged soils and high river levels is likely to lead to further localised flooding and dangerous travelling conditions. 

The warning is in place until 9am. 

Roads latest 

It comes as local authorities continue their response to significant flooding in the city and county on Wednesday. 

Cork Couty Council said it is continuing to inspect and undertake emergency repair works on the roads most severely impacted across the region.

"Motorists are asked to be aware of the impact on the road network with damage expected as a result of standing water," it said. 

A number of roads in the county remain closed as a result of the floods including the L-8049-0 (townlands on this road are: Clonlea, Carrigroe, Creagh Beg, Knockaphonery), the 

L-4031-37 (townlands on this road are: Madame, Maulnagearagh), and the R-907-0 (townlands on this road are: Castleredmond, Park South, Townparks (Ed Midleton), Glebe (Ed Midleton), Knockgriffin (Imokilly), Oatencake, Knockgriffin (Barrymore)). 

An up-to-date list of the roads which are closed in the county is available on Cork County Council's website. 

Niall Healy said on Morning Ireland this morning said that it is hoped that the N25, which is currently only partially re-opened, will reopen to traffic this morning. 

He said that there was significant damage caused to many roads across the county and appealed to members of the public to contact the local authority to highlight any damage to roads, as they may not be aware of the full extent of all damage yet in some areas. 

1 Brigade Engineer Coy continuing to assist Cork CC with the clean-up today in Midleton. All hands on deck to get life back to normal. @DF_Sgt_Major @df_recruitment @Corkcoco @MidletonChamber #StormBabet @bemore pic.twitter.com/OGOhNIMFtc

— 1 Brigade 🇮🇪 Defence Forces (@1Bde_Official) October 19, 2023

Mr Healy said a traffic management system remains in place today. 

Cork City Council is advising that access to Vienna Woods from the Dunkettle Roundabout is open but not to through traffic.

The road from Vienna Woods to Church Hill remains closed while repairs are made to the culvert.

Monahan Road was closed for the evening due to damage discovered during inspection.

Cork City Council crews will carry out further inspections this morning, aiming to reopen as quickly as possible.