Imagine waking up to find your streets transformed into rivers, your homes and businesses submerged, and your daily commute turned into an obstacle course. This is the harsh reality for many in Wexford and Kilkenny, where relentless rainfall has turned 'impassable' roads into a stark reminder of nature's power. But here's where it gets even more concerning: despite efforts to mitigate the damage, the flooding continues to wreak havoc, leaving communities grappling with its aftermath.
Overnight, surface water levels surged in parts of Wexford and Kilkenny as heavy rain persisted into the early hours of Saturday, January 31, 2026. The downpour forced road closures and exacerbated the impact on homes and businesses. A status yellow rainfall warning for counties Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow expired at midnight, but the clean-up operation is just beginning. And this is the part most people miss: even as crews assess the damage, the risk of further flooding remains alarmingly high.
Southern Wexford appears to have borne the brunt of the late-night deluge. In Bridgetown, several properties flooded despite Wexford County Council's tireless efforts to pump water since the previous evening. On Our Lady's Island, lake levels breached the village bank, submerging the road. Meanwhile, in Enniscorthy, the quays have reopened after a brief closure, but The Promenade remains inaccessible due to flooding. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are our current flood defenses adequate, or do we need a more proactive approach to combat increasingly extreme weather?
In Co Kilkenny, towns like Graiguenamanagh, Inistioge, and Thomastown faced a similar plight, with homes and businesses submerged under several meters of water after the rivers Barrow and Nore burst their banks. Authorities are now hoping for a break in the rain to allow river levels to recede and assess the full extent of the damage. However, forecasts predict more unsettled weather for the long weekend, raising concerns about further flooding.
Wexford County Council has closed multiple roads across the county due to flooding and warned of significant water accumulations. They urge road users to exercise 'extreme caution' over the next 24 hours, emphasizing that the risk of flooding remains 'very high' even in areas where rivers are not currently overflowing. But here's a controversial take: Could better urban planning and infrastructure investment have prevented some of this devastation?
Shifting gears, the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown is also feeling the impact. Horse Racing Ireland will conduct a final inspection of the track at 8 am to determine if the event can proceed, following a forecast of 10-20mm of additional rain. A contingency plan is in place to reschedule the races to Bank Holiday Monday if necessary. What do you think? Should large events like this prioritize safety over tradition in the face of extreme weather?
On a more positive note, the Government is set to increase financial aid for small businesses affected by Storm Chandra from €20,000 to €100,000. This move, expected to be approved by the Cabinet in the coming days, aims to support businesses that struggle to obtain flood insurance. But here's a question to ponder: Is this enough to help businesses recover, or do we need a more comprehensive strategy to address the long-term impacts of climate change?
As communities across Wexford and Kilkenny begin to rebuild, the conversation about resilience, preparedness, and responsibility is more critical than ever. What steps should we take to protect our homes, businesses, and livelihoods from the next storm? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this important dialogue going.
