New local flood awareness system announced for Blackrock

FloodWatch, a new local flood awareness system has been launched as a pilot in Blackrock village in Dundalk to help residents and visitors better understand when coastal flooding conditions may be more likely.

FloodWatch is an early-stage AI modelling system that brings together Met Éireann weather warnings with tide timing and height data to highlight periods when coastal conditions are most sensitive.

Rather than predicting flooding, the system is designed to raise awareness when factors such as very high tides and weather conditions overlap. 

The system has been developed over a five-day period by Jascom Ltd, a Blackrock-based digital solutions company, in response to recent flooding and overtopping events along the village seafront. 

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Jason McGee, Director of Jascom Ltd said FloodWatch was built quickly in response to what we were seeing on the ground in Blackrock.

"It uses an algorithm to combine multiple data sources and highlight when conditions are most sensitive, particularly around very high tides. It’s not a flood warning system, but it gives people clearer, earlier awareness so they can make informed decisions,” he said.

Users can view FloodWatch on www.visitblackrock.ie where they can view the current status, upcoming high tides and a 24-hour outlook showing how risk sensitivity may change over time.