Heavy rain causes widespread disruption

Heavy rain throughout Ireland has caused widespread disruption to road and rail services.

Met Éireann has issued a warning of possible flash flooding throughout Ireland today and tomorrow, with more rain and thunder forecast over the next 24 hours. The east and south are most at risk of floods.

The rain will remain heavy and widespread today, with prolonged showers expected tonight. It will remain windy and showery in all areas tomorrow.

The AA is reporting serious flooding on both sides of the N7 of Johnstown near Palmerstown and surface water at the junction of the M50 and N4.

There are localised floods affecting many other routes around the capital, including Brennanstown Road, Pottery Road and the Kylemore Road slip onto the Chapelizod Bypass,

Roads in Co Kildare are also said to be very wet, with drivers urged to exercise caution.

This morning's delays on Dublin DART services between Dún Laoighaire and Greystones were blamed blocked road drains which caused a nearby train station to be flooded. Part of the line was closed for 25 minutes this morning.

An Iarnród Éireann spokeswoman said the flooding was worst in the Dalkey area. "The water went gushing into the station and then went out through our own drainage system," she said.

The spokeswoman said it was the first time services had been halted due to flooding in several years, as  they had worked on their drainage system along the lines. "Along the south side coastal area is prone to flooding but it is a long time since we had a closure. We will be monitoring it throughout the day," she said.

In Derry, which saw serious flash flooding that left the city centre under a foot of water yesterday and caused damage estimated at millions of pounds, the long task of cleaning up began today.

The water rose so high pedestrians were forced to wade waist-high through parts of the city centre, while scores of motorists were forced to abandon their cars and sections of roads were ripped up.

The flooding was blamed on the failure of the city's drainage system to cope with a torrential two-hour downpour.

Mr John Friel, north-west chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland, said: "Questions need to be asked if the drainage system was well-maintained, and if investment for modernisation was needed."

Mr Friel said the flood was a disaster for the many small businesses in Derry who have seen their property wrecked and their livelihoods threatened.