LATEST: Kildare County Council warns that increased rain could result in further flooding

Kildare County Council (KCC) has just released an important update relating to the ongoing flooding risk in parts of Clane and Newbridge.

The announcement follows after Met Éireann issued a Status Yellow rain warning for County Kildare earlier today (February 4), which will be valid from 3am on Thursday, February 5, 2026 until 3am on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Referring to this Weather Warning, KCC said: "This additional expected rainfall on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides, increases the risk of localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travel conditions. 

"The necessary and controlled discharge of water in recent days by the ESB, which is informed by rain forecasts as well as information provided by KCC regarding monitored river levels, has helped to manage any potential incidents of flooding in flood prone areas of Kildare.   

"However, many rivers remain close to or above bank-full conditions, and additional rainfall in the coming days could trigger localised flooding, in flood prone areas, given current ground and river conditions."

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KCC further said: "Parts of the Newbridge and Clane areas of Kildare remain at an increased risk of flooding, given their proximity along the course of the River Liffey. 

"KCC crews are working hard on the ground, monitoring conditions on a 24 hour basis, carrying out all necessary flood preparation works and have already deployed sandbags to a number of areas, as a precaution. 

"Additional sandbags will be deployed to any at risk areas, as required. However, no properties have been affected or deemed to be at immediate risk."

KCC added that its Severe Weather Assessment Team is "continuing to meet daily, as it has done throughout this ongoing weather event, as well as working closely with other agencies through the National Emergency Coordination Group and relevant sub-groups".  

Any individuals with concerns about flooding in their local area are advised to contact KCC.

Furthermore, KCC has asserted that stocks of sandbags are currently available for installation in any affected areas, "should they be required". 

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SAFETY ADVICE

KCC urging the public to be vigilant and adhere to all public safety advice, which can be viewed below:

• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts over the next 24 hours — conditions may change quickly. Visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources. 
• Do not bypass Road Closed signs — the road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk. 
• Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route. 
• Allow for disruption when commuting over the coming days. 
• Plan extra travel time and reduce speed. 
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility. 
• Check with Transport Operators when planning journeys 
• Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly. 
• Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas. 
• Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide
• The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry" 
• Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen
• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. in regards to power restoration times
• Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies — see www.water.ie.

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