Flood chaos persists on some local roads

Fresh Yellow weather warning looms for Border region

Flooding continues to wreak havoc on roads across Cavan and Monaghan, with numerous routes still underwater, damaged, or closed in the aftermath of Storm Chandra- and motorists are being warned that conditions could deteriorate again as a new Status Yellow alert approaches for the Border region.

Earlier this week, the entire country was placed under a Status Yellow weather warning as Storm Chandra battered the region with heavy, persistent rain and powerful winds from Monday into Tuesday. The deluge has left a trail of destruction, triggering severe flooding, forcing road closures and diversions, and in the most extreme cases causing partial collapses of local roads.

Driving conditions remain treacherous in several areas, with councils urging motorists to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary journeys.

Cavan

Multiple roads are still impassable due to flooding

The L-6024 at Corgarve and the L-6122 at Dignavanty remain fully impassable due to flooding.

Several other routes are still flooded but can be navigated with extreme caution. These include the R191 Cootehill–Canningstown Road, specifically at Drumgoon (Sharp's Bend), the R192 at Knappagh, and the L3505 Canningstown–Shercock Road at Pottle, according to the latest update from Cavan County Council.

Some relief has come as waters have cleared from a number of locations, including the R192 at Drumgreen, the R212 at Mullalougher, Scarvy Bridge on the L2029, and Rakenny Bends on the R188, all of which are now open.

However, problems persist elsewhere. The L-7608 Bleech Road, Shercock, remains flooded despite receding water levels, while the L-3006 Lisgrey to Killinkere Road is still impassable, though conditions are improving.

Water has receded on the L-7596, L-7026, and L-7507 at Bleech Cross, Shercock, the L7551 at Lisball and the R178 Bailieborough–Shercock Road at Nolagh, and these roads are now passable.

Meanwhile, the L2010 Castletara–Ballyhaise Road at Lisnacark, the L5552 at Elteen (near Ballyhaise) and the N87 at Borim (North of Derrynacreeve) were also flooded and impassable for a period during the storm.

The R-199 Killeshandra to Newtowngore Road was looded at Derrinlester, with diversions in place.

Monaghan

In Monaghan, the situation remains precarious, with the local authority warning that water levels are “still high” and that conditions could “change quickly”.

During the height of the storm, council crews were dispatched to clear fallen trees and debris from multiple affected routes.

Significant flooding was reported on the R183 Doohamlett to Ballybay Road, the R180 Lough Egish to Ballybay Road, and the R181 Lough Egish to Shercock Road, all of which were badly impacted.

The R183 Annalore Bridge remains closed due to flooding, with diversions expected to remain in place for several days, while multiple roads in the Scotshouse, Newbliss, and Clones areas are closed due to the rising River Finn.

In Monaghan Town, significant flooding was reported during the storm, with areas near the town centre, with roads leading to Clones experiencing severe, near-impassable conditions for a period.

Safety Warning

Monaghan County Council has issued a stark warning to the public, urging people to avoid attempting to drive through floodwater.

“It only takes a small depth to lose control or become stranded,” a spokesperson said. “Floodwater can hide potholes, debris or road damage, posing a serious risk to drivers. Vehicles can also suffer major engine damage if water is drawn into the air intake, or electrical failures if vital wiring and sensors are submerged.”

Fresh Alert

The message to“Stay safe. Turn back- don’t risk it” comes as a new Yellow alert for rain was issued for Northern Ireland.

The warning will be in place from midnight on Friday until 6pm the same day and applies to all six counties, with the potential for many areas to see 10-25 mm build up, with 40-60 mm over some hills.

For the country, unsettled conditions continue with further rain and showers.

Friday night sees rain easing to patchy falls with some clear spells, colder locally with frost and ice possible. Saturday will have lingering drizzle, clearing to scattered showers and sunny spells on Sunday (St Brigid’s Day).

The Government has also announced an Emergency Response Payment for those unable to afford emergency repair costs following the Storm Chandra flooding.