BREAKING: ESB warns of "risk of flooding" in areas of Kildare if water is released from reservoir
Poulaphouca reservoir on Kildare / Wicklow border has “limited” storage capacity
The ESB has warned today that it may have to release water from the Poulaphouca reservoir because of its “limited” storage capacity, putting the towns of Clane and Newbridge in Co Kildare at direct risk of flooding.
The Poulaphouca reservoir, situated at the Blessington Lakes in west Wicklow, is operated by ESB for hydroelectric power generation.
The ESB said that after two weeks of persistent rainfall, compounded by Storm Chandra, water levels at the reservoir have risen by two metres and are now close to capacity.
This has prompted the State-owned company to say it may need to relieve pressure by allowing water to pass through.
A lengthy statement by the ESB issued today, said:
"Over the last number of weeks there has been prolonged and intense rainfall in the River Liffey catchment area, which has significantly increased river and reservoir levels.
"Large volumes of rain water arrived into the Poulaphouca reservoir in recent days from the upper Liffey catchment area. The vast bulk of this volume has been retained in the reservoir, increasing levels by almost 2 metres. Without the dam structures at Poulaphouca, this water would have proceeded through the Liffey from Wicklow into Kildare and ultimately Dublin, significantly increasing water levels all along the river over and above what has been already experienced.
"Poulaphouca reservoir storage has played a critical role in mitigating the impact of recent rainfall on river levels downstream of Poulaphouca and has reduced the risk of flooding downstream.
"However, levels are continuing to rise following the rainfall in the last 24 hours. As reservoir storage is limited and given current forecasts there may be a need to pass through some of these additional inflows over the coming days. This may increase the risk of flooding along the course of the River Liffey, in particular in the Clane and Newbridge areas. The situation will continue to be closely monitored.
"A sub-group of the National Emergency Coordination Group has been convened to coordinate the response with ESB, all relevant Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams, Met Éireann, Government Departments and other agencies. A series of meetings have been held and will continue as required.
"Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring resources are in place, that crews are on standby, preparing the necessary interventions and will issue further communications. Individuals with concerns about flooding should contact their local authorities for further information.
"The actual and forecast levels of the Liffey and discharges at Golden Falls and Leixlip are published daily on the ESB website."
Kildare County Council
Kildare County Council said it is aware that the ESB has advised of the impact of recent heavy rainfall on the River Liffey and Poulaphouca Reservoir.
Kildare County Council said it is monitoring the situation in Kildare closely and preparing flood prevention measures to mitigate potential impact, as a result of the necessary release of water from the reservoir.
The Council said: "Our crews are on standby to deal with potential incidents of flooding, including the installation of sandbags, as required, in any affected areas. "
Kildare County Council is urging the public to be vigilant and adhere to all public safety advice.
Any individuals in Kildare with concerns about flooding are advised to contact Kildare County Council.
Kildare County Council’s out of hours emergency contacts are as follows:
Contacts
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Kildare County Council - Out of hours - 1800 500 444
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Homeless Out of hours services operated by Peter McVerry Trust on behalf of Kildare County Council – 1800 804 307 (Saturday & Sunday 12pm -5pm) .