11 incidents of spot flooding and 30 reports of fallen trees

AS STORM Barra battled through the county on Tuesday, South Dublin County Council responded to 11 incidents of spot flooding and over 30 reports of fallen trees.

With an orange warning in place for the capital, the council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met on Monday to review preparations for the high winds and rain expected.

In a comment to The Echo on Wednesday morning, Teresa Walsh, Director of Environment, Water and Climate Change, said: “Works were carried out prior to Storm Barra to prepare the county for the event and the high wind and rain with fallen debris and flooding conditions.

“Trash screens on the rivers and streams particularly at culverts were checked and cleared of any debris.

“Road gullies were checked for blockages and cleared, leaves are of concern at this time of year and were removed.”

While the county did not experience the severe gusts and extreme flooding incidents recorded in other parts of the country, like Cork, Kerry and Waterford, schools and community facilities closed as Storm Barra passed through.

According to MET Eireann, gusts of 93km/h were recorded at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel on Tuesday.

South Dublin County Council officials removing trees (photo courtesy SDCC)

High winds brought down a number of trees countywide and flooding also caused disruption and created dangerous travel conditions at various locations, including the Tallaght bypass as it approaches Tallaght Stadium.

Ms Walsh hailed communication with the public as a “key activity” for the council in managing and responding to adverse weather events.

“Spot flooding occurred on roads at 11 locations across the county and roads crews were out dealing with these impacts as they arose,” Ms Walsh said.

“Over 30 trees were reported to us from many locations, crews from the Public Realm and Road Maintenance sections of the council attended to these, making them safe and removing debris.

“The Water Services Section was also out making sure water and wastewater infrastructure was working and any tripped-out station was put back online promptly.”

She added: Communication with the public is a key activity for the council during these weather events.

“Social media updates to the public occurred before and during Storm Barra and updates from Met Éireann, TII [Transport Infrastructure Ireland], and other relevant bodies were reshared on the SDCC platform.

“We issued approximately 30 messages on social media so far and boosted posts by groups like the Dublin Fire Brigade, Met Eireann, Homeless Dublin and more.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any fallen or damaged trees to the council on 01 4149000.

Any fallen wires or damage to ESB Networks equipment can be reported at 1800 372 999.