ESB crews in Cork and Kerry worked throughout yesterday to restore power to hundreds of homes affected by the weekend floods. By last night, according to a spokesman, supplies had been restored in most parts of the south west.
As high winds and heavy rain continued in the area, the disruption of rail services between Cork and Dublin forced up to 3,000 people to make alternative travel arrangements. However, trains did operate between Cork and Cobh, as well as Cork and Tralee. Scheduled flights from Cork airport went ahead, although there were some delays, but all Cork-Swansea sailings were cancelled.
Throughout Cork and Kerry there were widespread traffic diversions as many main routes were closed. Mallow was one of the worst-hit towns, with parts of the centre under two feet of water. The river Blackwater continued to rise until early yesterday afternoon and the water was more than five feet deep in places on the outskirts of the town.
Newly commissioned Army second lieutenant William O'Meara was the hero of the town last night after saving a truck driver who got into difficulties when his vehicle became stranded in high water. The driver left the cab but got into difficulties in the strong currents. Second Lieut O'Meara, who was nearby, dived into the water and brought the driver to safety.
Mr Aidan Weir, Mallow town engineer, said he expected the Blackwater would recede overnight. This still left a number of householders unable to return to their properties due to flood damage and it could be days before they do so.
Upriver, several parts of Fermoy were under water where the Blackwater had burst its banks. Shopkeepers and home owners were moving goods and valuables to higher ground throughout most of the day and families were preparing to evacuate if the river rose further. Traffic between Cork and Dublin was being diverted around the town.