Impact of Heavy Rainfall on the River Liffey and Poulaphouca Reservoir

ESB Networks Issue notice on Impact of Heavy Rainfall on the River Liffey and Poulaphouca Reservoir

Over the last number of weeks there has been prolonged and intense rainfall in the River Liffey catchment area, which has significantly increased river and reservoir levels.

Large volumes of rain water arrived into the Poulaphouca reservoir in recent days from the upper Liffey catchment area. The vast bulk of this volume has been retained in the reservoir, increasing levels by almost 2 metres. Without the dam structures at Poulaphouca, this water would have proceeded through the Liffey from Wicklow into Kildare and ultimately Dublin, significantly increasing water levels all along the river over and above what has been already experienced.

Poulaphouca reservoir storage has played a critical role in mitigating the impact of recent rainfall on river levels downstream of Poulaphouca and has reduced the risk of flooding downstream. 

However, levels are continuing to rise following the rainfall in the last 24 hours. As reservoir storage is limited and given current forecasts there may be a need to pass through some of these additional inflows over the coming days. This may increase the risk of flooding along the course of the River Liffey, in particular in the Clane and Newbridge areas. The situation will continue to be closely monitored. 

A sub-group of the National Emergency Coordination Group has been convened to coordinate the response with ESB, all relevant Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams, Met Éireann, Government Departments and other agencies. A series of meetings have been held and will continue as required.  

Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring resources are in place, that crews are on standby, preparing the necessary interventions and will issue further communications. Individuals with concerns about flooding should contact their local authorities for further information. 

SDCC Response

The SDCC Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring resources are in place, crews are on standby and preparing the necessary interventions. Individuals should continue to monitor SDCC communications channels including social media and via our website here: Storm Chandra Information - SDCC