Severe flooding as a result of heavy rain caused traffic delays throughout the country tonight and two stages of Rally Ireland in Co Tyrone were cancelled due to the poor weather.
The River Suir burst its banks in Clonmel, Co Tipperary and traffic was at a “standstill”. Tonight, gardai in Clonmel asked motorists to avoid the town completely as many parts of the town are impassable due to extensive flooding.
Diversions are in place gardai said updates would be provided as information became available. County council engineers were also on site dealing with the flooding.
Heavy rain also caused problems in parts of Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Cavan.
Cavan County Council advised motorists against making any unnecessary journeys last night, as flooding was “widespread”.
Carlow town, which suffered severe flooding last September after heavy rain, was also affected yesterday. Tullow and Castledermot were also affected.
There were a number of traffic collisions throughout the country and a man was knocked down at New Street on Dublin’s south side, Dublin Fire Brigade said.
Rally Ireland organisers said concerns had mounted during the day as “incessant” rain poured down on the north west.
They said they were left with no choice but to cancel two scheduled stages around Fardross and Murley in Co Fermanagh. The stages will not be rescheduled, but the organisers said they hoped for better conditions for tomorrow's driving.