Fears are growing in Enniscorthy as the River Slaney is dangerously close to breaking its banks.
A number of areas across County Wexford were hit by flooding yesterday after an orange rain warning was put in place, the weather warning was lifted at 1 o’clock this morning.
Some businesses in Enniscorthy have sand bags at the ready as the tide continues to rise in the River Slaney.
Alan O’ Reilly, from Carlow Weather, spoke to South East Radio News this afternoon and says that Enniscorthy is at risk of more flooding this afternoon with high tide due at around 4 o’clock:
“The river levels have continued to rise in Carlow and Wexford. With high tide this afternoon there is a risk of more flooding.”
This morning Councillor Jackser Owens said that the levels had risen from 2.8 to 2.9. He went on to say that those near the banks of the river have high insurance premiums that wont cover them for flooding:
“A lady I was talking to this morning pays €750 for insurance but that does not cover her for flooding.”
The recent weather has prompted Aontú Councillor Jim Codd to call for action, as he believes that as a county we are not prepared for future disasters as a result of heavy rainfall:
“The OPW and the Council need to clear the rivers and cut back gulley’s to make sure they are clear for water to flow. I think its time to look at the low land of Holland to see how they manage to keep the water flowing.”
