Harris Announces Emergency Response Payments For Flood Victims

If you can’t beep ’em…

t’s not the first time Wicklow – and the rest of Ireland – has been literally overflowing by floods, but Storm Chandra hit some much harder than others around here today.

From Arklow’s Riverwalk to the banks of River Avoca (“It’s like Venice here,” said one resident), if you could see the river from your front door, chances are, it could be paying you a house call.

The torrential rain also meant traffic ground to a halt across much of the country too, with the N11 down to one lane due to flooding at Kilmacanogue early this morning before becoming impassable. A pattern that was repeated across Wicklow, including Greystones, where early morning tailbacks stretched from Blacklion to Killincarrig. The N11 finally reopened fully just after 7pm.

In Aughrim, The Pavilion is currently operating as a day hub and is available for overnight accommodation, with 20 beds initially available. Catering will be facilitated, along with support staff and security on standby. The Community Support Centre is available for members of the public seeking an area to shelter, with tea and coffee facilities available, along with toilet facilities and phone charging stations.

And now the Tánaiste Simon Harris has announced details of Emergency Response Payments across the county to support those householders affected by today’s storm.

N11 Kilmacanogue 10am Mathilde Murray-Veldt TUES27JAN26

“I want to reassure affected residents that support is available,” said Harris, “and I would encourage anyone who needs assistance to contact the Community Welfare Service as soon as possible.

“Stage 1 emergency payments are available now and are not income tested. These cover immediate essentials such as food, clothing and bedding. Further support for replacing household items and essential structural repairs is also available under Stages 2 and 3 of the scheme.”

You can access these supports by contacting the Community Welfare Service on 0818607080.

With ice forecast for Tuesday night, Wicklow County Council have also issued a statement this evening, warning that flooding on various parts of the road network have made it impossible to undertake the normal extent of gritting operations.

Therefore, drivers should proceed with caution as some sections of the road network may not be gritted.