Louth County Council's response to damage caused by Storm Bram

Louth County Council has reviewed the impact of Storm Bram which caused significant coastal flooding and wind damage across the county on Tuesday.

The council's Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) found that Blackrock was the most affected area in the county, with serious flooding as high tides and gale-force winds sent waves over the promenade walls.

Despite the council distributing sandbags and activating flood barriers on Monday ahead of Storm Bram's arrival, the council said flood levels were approximately 200mm higher than had been forecast. 

Watch: Main Street in Blackrock Louth completely flooded as Storm Bram hits the county

North Louth

• Coastal flooding impacted Blackrock, causing damage to paving stones and vehicles that were parked on Main Street. Road sweepers were deployed to assist with the cleanup on Tuesday evening, while council crews, along with voluntary groups such as Blackrock Tidy Towns.
• George’s Quay in Dundalk also experienced flooding, with Louth County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service assisting with pumping at the Spirit Store. As a result, the junction at Quay Street was closed for an hour after vehicles became stranded in floodwater.
• The council’s Out-of-Hours crew worked overnight to clear gravel and seaweed from Shore Road, Ballagan, restoring access for residents who were blocked from their homes. Crews returned on Wednesday to remove the remaining debris.
• The Out-of-Hours crew also attended a spillage of clay and mud at Junction 17 of the M1 at 1am on Wednesday, where it had spread to the N53.
• One fallen tree blocked the Hackballscross to Knockbridge road, which reopened after a three-hour closure.

Mid Louth

• Fallen trees were reported across the area, including three evergreens in Castlebellingham, which were cleared at 6pm Tuesday.
• Crews also removed a tree blocking the Kells Road near Collon.

South Louth

• Multiple fallen trees were cleared at Termonfeckin Road, King William’s Glen, Slane Road and Forest Park.
• A wall collapsed onto Togher Road during gale-force winds and was made safe by crews during daylight hours.
• Almost 30 tonnes of debris were washed up on Baltray Road at Bankstown and had to be promptly cleared by council crews.
• Marsh Road was badly affected by flooding, with road sweepers deployed to clear gullies. Further pressure jetting of pipework will be required on Wednesday to remove silt arising from the storm.

The council's have said its SWAT team will continue to review all aspects of its emergency response to Storm Bram.