Road users warned of floods and debris

Motorists, other road users and those using public transport have been warned today that many routes remain flooded and blocked by debris following severe weather at the weekend.

High winds and rain will lessen today but may return towards the end of the week, and more flooding is likely in some places, according to Met Éireann.

AA Roadwatch advised "motorists and especially HGV drivers in exposed areas" to slow down and watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

One man was killed in the weekend's torrential rain and high winds, which left 15,000 homes without electricity. Paul Bogues (46) died after being washed into the sea in Ardglass, Co Down, on Saturday night.

Fireman Philip Munnelly inspecting shops in Crossmolina, Co Mayo, yesterday

He was walking along the pier at Ardglass harbour when a high wave struck him and carried him into the sea.

Up to 15,000 people were affected by flight cancellations and diversions at Dublin airport.

Trees were toppled and power lines disrupted in winds of up to 120km/h. In Crossmolina, Co Mayo, there was serious flooding, and homes were evacuated when the River Deel burst its banks, causing an estimated €1 million in damage.

Crossmolina town centre remains flooded and impassable, particularly Chapel Street and Church Street.

The R315 between Ballyglass and Ballycastle was blocked with debris this morning.

There were further road closures due to flooding in Kerry, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Roscommon and Waterford. In Westport, Co Mayo, the Louisburgh to Leenane road was closed following a landslide.

In Cork today, the Carrigrohane Road from Victoria's Cross through to Inchaglobin Lane is closed due to flooding, and diversions are in place. The Lee road is flooded but passable, as is the Glenbrook to Passage West road.

In Kerry, the following roads are flooded and impassable: the N72 between Killorgan and Killarney, Listry Bridge, Killagh Bridge near Beaufort, Finnegans Cross to Killarney, Knockeanalicka and Kilcummin roads, Glenflesk to Barraduff, and Glens Cross at Flynn's Forge.

Motorists in Galway have been advised to watch out for flooding at Claregalway on the N17 from the Tuam direction.

Waterford was also affected by the bad weather, and the Tramore Road, Green Road, Kilmacow and the roads around Dunkitt school should be avoided.

The Circular Road and Bleach Road in Kilkenny are flooded; t he road between Geashill and Walsh Island, Co Offaly is blocked by debris; a tree is blocking the westbound lane of the N6 between Kinnegad and Milltown Pass, Co Westmeath; while in Louththe road between Dundalk and Castleblayney is dangerous, according to AA Roadwatch.

The N32 in Dublin was closed this morning due to high winds from the M1/M50 junction through to the junction of the Malahide Road at the Hilton Hotel. The Ballyogan Road in Stepaside is also blocked.

There are major disruptions to Dart services. Trains are only running from Landsdowne to Howth & Malahide and from Bray to Dún Laoghaire stations. There are no services running between Bray and Greystones.

Stena Line sailings from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead at 6pm have been cancelled, and on the Rosslare to Fishguard route the 9.15pm sailing is in doubt due to the bad weather. Passengers are asked to contact Stena Line on 01-2047777 to make alternative arrangements.

The Irish Ferries departure from Cherbourg to Rosslare has been deferred until 6pm, while the scheduled 4pm departure from Rosslare to Cherbourg is also deferred and has yet to be confirmed.

Corresponding return sailings from Pembroke to Rosslare at 2.30pm have been cancelled, and all Swift sailings on the Dublin to Holyhead route are cancelled. All passengers will be transferred to the cruise ferry Ulysses.