Limerick community left reeling after 'unprecedented' flash flooding

A MASSIVE clean-up operation is under way this Monday morning after a community was hit with flash-flooding which has been described as "unprecedented".

Dromcollogher on the Cork-Limerick border was hit by two hours of severe downpours from around 7pm on Sunday night.

The intense rain left the area under at least two-feet of water.

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It left roads impassable for hours, homes damaged, and the evacuation of a local respite centre.

Emergency services were deployed to the scene, with the incident sparking a call from council district leader, Cllr Michael Collins, for residents of some areas of the village to receive humanitarian aid.

Access to the village was cut off on its three main arteries for most of Sunday night, from around 9pm.

It's not clear how many homes are impacted at this stage, but sources have indicated it could be any number up to 20.

"It's shocking," Cllr Collins said. "I came through Dromcollogher ytesterday from Cork around 4.15pm, and was thinking in my own head, the whole place was so quiet, calm and peaceful."

"It was around 7pm last night the rain started, and it was just flash flooding for around two hours. The whole place was submerged. We have seen unprecedented levels of rain in a short period of time. The area just couldn't take it," the Fianna Fail man added.

After council received calls to its out-of-hours number, an emergency operation swung into operation.

Council's road teams were deployed to the village.

They were joined by three fire crews from Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, and Rathkeale.

Sandbags were distributed to protect local properties at risk.

Local farmers provided additional support by supplying water pumps.

"A coordinated pumping operation was established to lower water levels in the vicinity of the Dromcollogher Respite Centre," the council confirmed, adding the Civil Defence was also on hand to assist in the relocation of residents if necessary.

"Water levels subsequently receded naturally and fire crews stood down around 2am," Limerick City and County Council confirmed in a statement.

Staff remained in the area to continue to assess the situation.

As of this Monday, all roads in the area are open. However, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.

Anyone requiring further assistance or support can contact Limerick City and County Council at 061 556000.

Cllr Collins said he contacted Intreo services this Monday.

"I am trying to get Woodfield (one of the impacted streets) designated for humanitarian aid. People can apply for humanitairan aid, so it needs to be designated a problem area," he said.

Limerick Live understands that temporary accommodation for impacted residents was not required due to the flood waters receding quickly.