Support from Fire Service personnel and members of the Cork County Council was crucial for shopkeepers in Bantry as they battled a flood crisis caused by torrential rain that left numerous properties in the town centre swamped. Water began accumulating on both New Street and Main Street around 1 in the afternoon when storm drains failed to cope with the heavy downpour. Shopkeepers desperately tried to manage the escalating water levels using sandbags and flood defences but several venues were inundated.
Units from Cork County Fire Service came to the aid of the affected owners, carrying out water pumping operations from their properties; this significantly reduced street water levels by approximately 3 in the afternoon. It is thought that around 20 businesses on Main Street, New Street and the Square might have been impacted.
Further flood incidents are anticipated this evening as Bantry preps for high tide at 7.05 pm. There is potential for additional flooding in the Square and its nearby streets should quay walls be breached by the tide.
Meanwhile, floods were also reported on the Clonakilty Ring Road where a vehicle was trapped in the floodwater. Moreover, reports of flooding came from different sections on the Bandon to Kilbrittain Road, as well as parts of the N71 between Glengarriff and Kenmare.
Heavy rainfall in Cork city caused apprehension among council staff, homeowners, and businesses as they kept a vigilant eye on the River Lee. High tide is expected shortly after 7.30 pm, bringing with it the risk of further flooding, including both the northern and southern channels of the river.