Wicklow Faces Ongoing Flood Risks Despite Improvement in Weather Conditions

With public concerns regarding blocked drains and gullies, Wicklow County Council Chief says that even properly maintained systems are being overwhelmed

Wicklow County Council has warned that significant flood risks remain across the county despite improving weather conditions following the expiry of an Orange weather warning earlier than expected on Friday.

Senior Engineer with Wicklow County Council, Michael Flynn, said rainfall overnight was lower than forecast, allowing Met Éireann to lift the Orange warning at 9am, six hours earlier than its scheduled expiry at 3pm.

While this represents a positive development, he stressed that saturated ground, high river levels, and extensive road damage continue to pose serious challenges.

Coastal Damage and Road Closures

Strong onshore winds combined with exceptionally high tides caused major coastal disruption, particularly along seafronts in Wicklow Town and Bray. Large volumes of debris were washed ashore, prompting the closure of several coastal roads.

Mr Flynn described conditions at Bray Harbour as dramatic, saying it was “almost like a new beach has arrived,” with massive amounts of sand, stones, and debris covering roads and walkways.

Council crews remain on site using sweepers, diggers, and heavy machinery to clear the affected areas, with some coastal routes expected to remain closed for the entire day to allow clean-up operations to continue safely.

Homes Largely Protected

Despite the severe conditions, Mr Flynn confirmed that no homes or properties were flooded, thanks largely to extensive preventative measures, including the strategic deployment of sandbags and temporary flood defences in vulnerable locations.

Coastal areas such as Ferrybank in Arklow, Ballinaclash, Avoca, and Aughrim had been identified as high-risk zones, and pre-emptive action appears to have successfully prevented property damage.

Severe Impact on Road Network

The county’s road infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, particularly in rural areas such as Tinahely, Shillelagh, Arklow, and Aughrim, where intense rainfall caused road washouts, erosion, and structural failures.

Mr Flynn revealed that Wicklow experienced five times the average weekly rainfall over the past week, placing extraordinary pressure on drainage systems and road foundations.

“This level and intensity of rainfall is not something our infrastructure was ever designed to handle,” he said.

Repair work is expected to take weeks and, in some cases, months, with significant reconstruction required in badly affected areas.

Rising Frequency of Severe Weather Events

Highlighting a growing concern, Mr Flynn noted a dramatic increase in the number of severe weather warnings issued for Wicklow:

• 2024: 8 warnings

• 2025: 27 warnings

• 2026 (to date): 14 warnings — within the first week of February

“This is not a normal weather pattern,” he said. “The cumulative impact of these events is taking a major toll on infrastructure.”

Drainage Systems Under Pressure

Addressing public concerns regarding blocked drains and gullies, Mr Flynn explained that even properly maintained systems are being overwhelmed.

“The volume of water is simply beyond the capacity of many drainage systems. When they fill, water backs up and floods roads. These systems were never designed to cope with this level of rainfall.”

Ongoing Risks and Public Warning

While weather conditions are forecast to improve over the weekend, Wicklow County Council has urged caution, warning that river levels remain dangerously high due to ongoing runoff from saturated ground.

Motorists are strongly advised not to drive through flooded roads and to follow warning signage at all times.

Residents are also encouraged to stay informed via Wicklow County Council’s social media channels and local media outlets for the latest updates.

“There is more rain forecast next week,” Mr Flynn added. “We’re hopeful that this weekend’s break will allow water levels to fall and restore some capacity to the system, reducing the risk of further flooding.”

Meanwhile Wicklow County Council has updated the situation across the county following overnight rainfall.

Minor flooding occurred on the N11; however, TII maintenance teams remain on site and continue to clear water from the roadway.

The Orange Weather Warning has been lifted, but road conditions in some areas remain affected. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and adhere to all signage currently in place. A number of roads remain closed, as outlined below:

Bray Municipal District

The 21 Bends to Enniskerry: one lane closed with stop/go traffic management in place.

Tinahely Area

The following roads remain closed due to structural damage:

• L7251 Gowle Road, between Killabeg and Clonmore (Co. Carlow), Coolkenna
• L7245 Ballynultagh Road, between Shillelagh and Ballynultagh
• L7740 Killinure to Money Road, Coolkenna
• L7235 Money to Parkbridge Road at Moylisha and Newry, Parkbridge
• L7744 Tomnafinoge Road, Coolboy
• L7233 Ballard Cross to Boley Road, Shillelagh
• L71331 Ballysilloge Lane, Knockananna

Bridges and Coastal Areas

• Samuel Hayes Pedestrian Bridge in Rathdrum is closed due to flooding.
• Bray Promenade, Bray Harbour, and the Wicklow Seafront remain closed while debris clearance works are ongoing. Members of the public are asked to stay away from these areas until further notice.