UPDATE: A catastrophic flash flood has hit Dromcollogher on the Cork-Limerick border, leaving the community in turmoil. The severe downpour, which struck around 7 PM on October 15, 2023, inundated the area with at least two feet of water, making roads impassable and resulting in significant damage to homes.

Emergency services sprang into action as the intense rainfall lasted for approximately two hours, causing widespread chaos. Local council leader, Cllr Michael Collins, reported that access to the village was cut off from 9 PM Sunday night, with estimates indicating up to 20 homes may have been affected. “It’s shocking,” Collins expressed, recalling the calm before the storm just hours earlier.

The Limerick City and County Council confirmed that emergency operations commenced shortly after receiving distress calls. Road teams, bolstered by three fire crews from nearby towns, worked tirelessly to distribute sandbags to protect vulnerable properties. Local farmers received support as water pumps were deployed to mitigate the flooding’s impact.

As the situation unfolded, a coordinated pumping operation was established to lower water levels surrounding the Dromcollogher Respite Centre. Thankfully, water levels began to recede naturally, allowing fire crews to stand down by 2 AM on October 16, 2023. Nevertheless, council staff remain in the area to continue assessing the situation and provide assistance.

All roads are now reported to be open, but motorists are urged to exercise caution while navigating the affected areas. Cllr Collins revealed that he has contacted Intreo services in hopes of designating impacted streets, such as Woodfield, for humanitarian aid. He emphasized the need for residents to apply for assistance as the community begins to recover.

While temporary accommodation has not been deemed necessary due to the swift receding of floodwaters, the emotional toll on residents is palpable. Many are left grappling with the aftermath of the unprecedented flooding. “We have seen unprecedented levels of rain in a short period of time. The area just couldn’t take it,” Collins added, reflecting the community’s shock.

Residents and those needing support are encouraged to reach out to Limerick City and County Council at 061 556000 for assistance.

This urgent situation is still developing. Stay tuned for further updates as the Dromcollogher community begins the daunting cleanup process in the wake of this devastating flash flooding.

UPDATE: A man in his thirties has been hospitalized following a serious road traffic incident in Croagh, Limerick, just after 5 PM yesterday evening. The motorist is currently receiving treatment for serious, but non-life threatening injuries, according to Gardaí and emergency services on the scene.

The collision involved two vehicles, including a van, which reportedly overturned. Fortunately, the vehicles did not collide with each other, but both were severely damaged in the incident. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as emergency crews rushed to assist those involved.

Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of now, details remain limited, but officials are expected to provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.

This incident raises concerns about road safety in the area, and local residents are urged to remain vigilant. The community is rallying support for the injured motorist, hoping for a swift recovery.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.

BREAKING: An application has been lodged to officially decommission the Derrybrien Wind Farm in South Galway, marking a significant turning point in a saga that has spanned nearly two decades. The wind farm, embroiled in legal troubles, has cost Ireland approximately €20 million in EU fines since its inception.

The controversy began in 2003 when a landslide at the site led to devastating environmental harm, including the death of over 50,000 fish. An EU court later ruled that the wind farm, which consists of 70 turbines, was constructed without a valid environmental impact assessment. This resulted in a hefty fine, compounded by a daily penalty of €15,000 for ongoing non-compliance.

After ceasing electricity generation in 2022, the wind farm’s future has been in jeopardy. Despite various high-profile campaigns aimed at preserving Derrybrien, it has become increasingly clear that the facility is beyond rehabilitation.

In a decisive move, the ESB has applied to An Coimisiun Pleanala for permission to decommission the wind farm. Additionally, the application includes a request to retain certain elements of the project, such as concrete foundations and access tracks.

The timeline for a decision remains uncertain, with expectations that it may not be addressed until next year. As this situation unfolds, the implications for environmental policy and energy production in Ireland are profound.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor this developing story.

UPDATE: A man in his 30s has been airlifted to Cork University Hospital with serious head injuries following a devastating crash in Croagh, County Limerick, yesterday evening. The incident, which occurred shortly after 5:15 PM on October 15, 2023, involved a single vehicle—a van that veered off the road.

Emergency services, including Gardaí, quickly responded to the scene of the collision. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the air ambulance arrive to transport the injured man, emphasizing the severity of his condition.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in this alarming incident. “Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a single vehicle road traffic collision at Croagh, County Limerick,” the spokesperson stated. This urgent situation has left the local community in shock.

Currently, the injured man is receiving treatment for serious injuries at Cork University Hospital. Authorities have not released further details about the nature of his injuries or the circumstances leading up to the crash.

As investigations continue, local residents are urged to stay clear of the area while emergency services complete their work. This incident highlights the critical importance of road safety and the unpredictable nature of traffic accidents.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. Your safety is paramount; please drive carefully.