Storm Claudia brings flooding to Blackwater village in Co Wexford

Sarah Slater

The village of Blackwater in Co Wexford has been hit again by flooding as a result of Storm Claudia.

Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area as the River Blackwater has burst its banks, flooding a number of houses and the local pub.

Flooding around the area has now become almost an annual event, and Leas Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Oliver Walsh, who is from the village, explained: “Some people here are just waiting for when the water will come (into their homes). They are in sheer fear.”

The Fine Gael councillor said that there is “not much” that can be done about the continual flooding as “two rivers meet in the village, the bridge is hundreds of years old, and the water is affected by the tides.

“The arches of the bridge, which are very old, are not able to cope with the level of water flowing through when there’s heavy rain. Sandbags will work for a while, but that’s all.

“It’s devastating for those who have their homes and businesses flooded.”

Elsewhere in the south-east, Carlow town park remains closed as it has been completely flooded. Carlow County Council issued a warning that the public should avoid the area due to “elevated river levels”.

A council spokesperson said they will continue to "review levels” and provide updates once it is safe to reopen.