Updated at 5.35pm

AS SOME AREAS, particularly in the south east of the country, dealt with continuing flooding following heavy downpours of recent days, commuters were bracing themselves for another sweep of rain this evening.

Met Éireann issued its latest rainfall alert this morning.

It came into effect at 4pm, with warnings of thundery downpours and a continued risk of flooding until the early hours of the morning.

The latest warning covers Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford.

The rest of the country wont’s escape the bad weather either — Munster, Connacht and the remaining counties in Leinster will see scattered heavy showers for the rest of the day, becoming more isolated later tonight.

Dublin rail problems

In the capital the deluge hadn’t materialised, as anticipated, by 5pm.

Traffic was building up in the usual trouble-spots, however — and there are were also rail delays to contend with…

Meanwhile, incoming Sligo/Maynooth to Dublin trains will not be serving Drumcondra Station until further notice, due to flooding on the line. Outgoing Dublin-Maynooth/Sligo trains will be stopping at the northside suburb.

In addition to the Maynooth problems, bus transfers will continue to operate between Newry and Belfast on the Dublin-Belfast line due to flooding on the line between Newry and Portadown, which has resulted in signalling issues.

Delays of up to 40 minutes can be expected.

Driver warning

The Road Safety Authority and Gardaí have issued a joint alert to drivers ahead of the busy Friday rush-hour.

It’s advice we’ve all heard before, but well worth noting. Essentially…

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times
• Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h.

Pedestrians and cyclists are being advised to make sure they can be seen, and to wear reflective clothing and lights, if appropriate.

Flooding in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy, in Wexford, has been hit hardest by the flooding, after the River Slaney burst its banks.

Schools were forced to close in the town, and up to 30 businesses along the quays and in the Templeshannon were inundated with floodwater.

Between 50 and 100 houses were also flooded, according to local estimates.

There have been complaints that the town wasn’t properly prepared for the flooding.

Independent councillor John O’Rourke said sand-bags were only handed out yesterday after the first floods.

He said not enough work had been done to clear storm-drains in the area in advance of the heavy rain, and that the run-offs had been clogged with fallen leaves.

Meanwhile, a major rescue alert was under way this afternoon to rescue some 20 horses stranded on the river. 

This was how the town looked, shortly after 9am this morning…

N11 users are being warned of diversions this evening on the main route between Dublin and Wexford…

Rosie Doyle

Rosie Doyle

Read: A major rescue effort is under way in Enniscorthy to save 20 stranded horses