Cork city centre quays to close to traffic as council warns of further  flooding

Cork City Council has announced there will be further closures of low-lying city centre quays due to continued unsettled weather.

As Met Éireann’s status yellow rain warning remains in place for Cork until 3pm, the local authority has warned of further surface flooding city centre quays.

A spokesperson for the council said that while this morning’s high tide at 6.29am passed with localised surface flooding only on several low-lying quays, scheduled high tides over the next 36-hours coincide with a forecasted tidal storm surge, with more surface flooding expected.

Due to this, the council has announced that Wandesford Quay will close this evening ahead of high tide, between 5.45pm and 7.45pm, as well as tomorrow morning, between 6am and 8am.

The spokesperson further said that while “no property damage is expected” across the city centre, surface water is also expected along Lavitts Quay, Union Quay and Kyrl’s Quay. 

Exercise care 

They urged motorists and pedestrians to “exercise care in the affected areas during the high tide times”.

“Cork City Council is closely monitoring the situation,” they said.

“Motorists are being advised to avoid parking on the quay, [and] commuters are advised to expect delays and to plan accordingly.” 

The spokesperson additionally said that these localised flooding events, coupled with the associated road closures and lane restrictions, will “impact traffic flow and public transport timetables during these times”.

“The road closures and restrictions will be lifted quickly once high tide passes,” they added.

Meanwhile, Cork County Council has said crews will continue to respond to incidents across the county while the rain warning remains in place. 

Crews were on site in Bantry during high tide this morning, with minor pumping undertaken to remove water from the Square. 

Minor flooding

Minor street flooding was reported in Whitegate due to 'tide locking', sandbags were deployed, and the main road closed temporarily. 

The Bailick Road in Midleton was flooded, with minor flooding also reported on the Baby's Walk. 

Dwyers Road was flooded near Bonnog Estate due to tide locking and a possible combined sewer overflow. 

Minor tidal flooding was also reported in Youghal. 

"Please take care when travelling, avoid flooded areas, and follow all local signage and guidance," a spokesperson said.