National Emergency Coordination Group preparing for flooding risk

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) and its related Subgroups met again today (Monday) to continue to prepare for the risk of further flooding.

Response agencies are closely monitoring the situation with heavy rain forecast for tonight, into tomorrow, and over the next few days and further flooding likely along rivers and in coastal areas.

All relevant departments, agencies and local authorities have been on alert and focused on putting in place measures to mitigate the impact of further rain in the days ahead, and to ensure readiness to respond to any flooding incidents.

A yellow rain warning is in place tonight into tomorrow for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork and Waterford. A further warning is in place for Dublin, Louth and Wicklow from tomorrow morning. Spells of heavy and persistent rainfall will continue through the week, particularly in southern and eastern coastal counties.

A weather advisory is also in place. Spells of heavy and persistent rainfall will continue through the week of 2nd February, particularly in southern and eastern coastal counties.

Rain will fall on saturated ground where river levels are high with high tides expected this week. This may lead to further flooding along rivers and in coastal areas. High spring tides over the coming days, combined with strong winds and surge, may cause wave overtopping and coastal flooding.

Close monitoring of local weather conditions via www.met.ie and river and coastal level data www.waterlevel.ie is strongly advised.

Advice to the public

The public are urged to be alert for flooding as the situation can change very quickly and even small amounts of rain could result in significant impacts in areas where river levels are high and/or where the ground is already saturated.

People are urged to check their local authority website and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts. Local authorities are carrying out assessments on roads that were affected by the flooding and, in some instances, roads may need to be kept closed due to damage.

Allow for disruption when travelling and plan extra travel time. When driving, reduce speed, expect surface water, debris and poor visibility. Do not bypass ‘Road Closed’ signs or drive through floodwater; turn back and use another route.

Flooding may impact transport services, and the public is advised to check with operators before their journey.

Supports available to those affected by flooding

Local response teams

If you are affected by flooding and in need of help, you should contact your local authority. Out-of-hours emergency numbers operate throughout the weekend. Contact details are available on local authority websites.

Emergency Response Payment for households

An Emergency Response Payment is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding. Community Welfare Officers are active on the ground in affected areas to support the humanitarian response. The date for receipt of applications for Stage 1 of the Emergency Response Payment is Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

Any household affected by severe weather can access this support by contacting the Community Welfare Service on 0818 60 70 80.

Full details of the scheme and how to apply are available at gove.ie/StormResponse.

Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme

An Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme is open for small businesses and community, voluntary and sports organisations affected by flooding.

The Scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and full details and application forms are available at https://www.redcross.ie/stormchandra/.

In recognition of the severe impact of flooding on many small businesses and other organisations, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, will seek Government approval to expand eligibility for the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme to organisations of up to 50 employees.

The Humanitarian Sub-Group of the NECG will work to ensure that businesses and other organisations in affected areas are aware of this and that all those who are eligible get assistance.

The Minister is also seeking to increase the upper limit for payments under the scheme from €20,000 to €100,000 for the most impacted premises.

Helpline for psychological support and information

The Irish Red Cross has set up a helpline to provide support to distressed people affected by flooding. The helpline at 01-6424648 will be open 9am to 6pm across the bank holiday weekend and until required. Trained volunteers will be available to talk to those who are in distress. The helpline can also signpost and direct callers to information on the financial support schemes available.

Public safety advice

The NECG is urging the public to be vigilant over the coming days as flooding persists in some areas and further flooding is possible.

• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts - 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.
• Check local authority websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
• Allow for disruption when travelling. Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.
• 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.
• 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.

Up to date information on the emergency response is available at gov.ie/StormResponse