Wicklow Lashed by Gales

The gales, which lashed the eastern part of the country including County Wicklow, have clause extensive flood damage with the river Avoca bursting its banks at several points causing the evacuation of numerous households. Arklow, Baltinglass, Woodenbridge, and Avoca were badly effected, with virtually all road and rail links being blocked by floodwaters. In Arklow fears of more flooding were averted when the high tide did not bring a serious additional rise in water levels.

Dart and mainline rail services were badly effected by flooding and fallen overhead cables on the lines, causing the cancellation of services to and from Bray station until the tracks could be cleared. Thousands of commuters were either left stranded or had to make their way to work by alternate transport arrangements. The problem was further complicated by the fact that most bus routes adjoining the rail lines were also flooded thereby offering no solution to those stranded.

Further south the situation was not much better with record high river levels bursting their banks and flooding roads and walkways. Large areas of the Wodenbridge golf links were under water including the basement of the clubhouse. The residents of Avoca and Woodenbridge were also badly effected with connecting roads reported flooded and not passable to normal traffic.

Meanwhile several families had to be evacuated from their homes in Arklow and housed in the Arklow Bay Hotel overnight. Many of the households evacuated were under several feet of water.