SEVERE FLOODING yesterday caused traffic delays and forced the abandonment of two stages of Rally Ireland in Co Fermanagh.
The river Suir burst its banks in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and traffic was at a “standstill” at rush-hour last night, AA Roadwatch said. The quays were closed off and gardaí were directing traffic.County council engineers were also on site.
Heavy rain 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 August after heavy rain, was affected yesterday. Tullow and Castledermot were hit by the heavy rain.
Rally Ireland organisers said concerns had mounted during the day as “incessant” rain poured down on the northwest.
They said they were left with no choice but to cancel last night’s two scheduled stages around Fardross and Murley, in Co Fermanagh.
“We are especially disappointed for all the fans who were looking forward to seeing the stars of the FIA World Rally Championship on their doorstep,” said clerk of the course Gordon Noble. He hoped for better conditions today, but said the cancelled stages will not be rescheduled.
The Irish rally events mark the start of the World Rally Championship. More than 250,000 people lined the routes in 2007 and the rally event is worth an estimated €48 million to the local economy.
There were a number of traffic collisions throughout the country and a cyclist was knocked down at New Street on Dublin’s southside. A Garda spokeswoman said the man’s injuries were not life-threatening.
More cold and frosty weather is predicted into early next week. Met Éireann said it will be cloudy again today, with further rain in many areas and a risk of some heavy rain in places.
Parts of the west and southwest will become drier during the afternoon, although they are likely to get more rain tonight. Rain will clear tonight and it will be mostly cold and dry.
Tomorrow is expected to be mostly dry with sunny spells, but the meteorological service said there may be some wintry showers in the east.
It will continue very cold and windy on Monday and Tuesday with showers of hail, sleet and snow in the eastern half of the country.
Farther west, the weather is likely to be dry and bright.