Cork businesses keep sharp eye on level of river Lee

Traders and residents in low-lying areas of Cork city last night appeared to have escaped flooding while howling winds and driving rain lashed the city and county.

Businesspeople in the city were anxiously watching water levels in the river Lee last night as constant rain combined with a high tide at about 8.30pm threatened to flood quay areas.

But gardaí were reporting that the city centre appeared to have escaped flooding even though heavy rains did lead to flooding on several roads around the city.

Gardaí reported flooding on the South Link Road as well as on the Kinsale Road, the Bandon Road and the Passage and Rochestown Road, all on the southern side of the city at about 8pm.

The Lee Road on the northern side of the city, running parallel to the river west of the city, was impassable for a time due to flooding while there was spot flooding on the Carrigrohane Straight.

Inniscarra Dam

According to the

ESB

, the heavy rains predicted for Monday night did not materialise, resulting in the company being able to reduce discharge rates from Inniscarra Dam 14km upstream of Cork.

The ESB had been discharging water from Inniscarra at a rate of 200 cubic metres per second and had predicted that it might have to increase this to 250 cubic metres per second as Storm Frank hit.

Instead, however, the ESB has been able to reduce the discharge level to 180 cubic metres per second but dam managers were remaining vigilant.

Meanwhile, in west Cork, traders in Bandon were on edge even though water levels in the river were low last evening. This could change with continuous heavy rain in the region.