Power restored and mopping up operation after weekend of downpours and high winds

Flooding has been reported across Ireland including parts of Co Kildare after heavy rain drenched communities over the last three days.

Power has been restored to almost 1,600 customers in Kildare who were left without power for a number of hours last night.

The problem was caused a major fault which had knock on effects on train services as well as householders.

The north west was worst hit, with some roads impassable in counties Tyrone, Derry, Sligo and Donegal. Stormy conditions knocked out power supply in the Carrickmines area of Dublin on Saturday night, with customers also cut off in counties Wexford, Donegal, Galway and Clare.

Up to 80mm of rain fell as the West and North West suffered the worst of the weekend weather. The village of Castlefinn in the east of Co Donegal was worst affected as the River Finn burst its banks. A bridge into the village was almost submerged in the water. Cars were also submerged in several towns including Ballyshannon, Bundoran, Donegal Town and Letterkenny. At Jackson's Hotel in Ballybofey guests woke this morning to find their cars under water.

The Donegal Fire Service said crews were continuing to help home owners in several areas. Five families in Donegal Town had to be taken to safety by boat when flood waters poured into their homes. It is continuing to rain in Donegal after dark this evening. Many roads are impassable, with Castlefinn cut off from main routes.