Flooding prompt evacuations in Kildare
The flooding emergency that has ravaged areas of the south and west of the country shifted to the east today as heavy rains resulted in major flooding in many towns in Co Kildare.
Local authorities evacuated a nursing home in Clane and a housing development in Sallins.
The ESB earlier issued a flood warning for towns in Co Kildare that lie on the banks of the River Liffey including Ballymore Eustace, Kilcullen, Newbridge, Clane, Celbridge and Leixlip.
The ESB, which operates three dams on the river, said it was discharging water from the Leixlip dam. Large volumes of water are entering the river and a general flood warning applies along its course.
Members of the Defence Forces and Dublin Civil Defence have been mobilised to deal with rising floodwater in parts of the county.
Kildare County Council says the flooding is moderate in places but severe in others. It is asking people in the county not to take to the roads unless absolutely necessary.
"The army has come in to help us and the Civil Defence has come in to help us," said council spokesman Charlie Talbot.
"We've had one nursing home evacuated in the county in the village of Clane and a housing development at Sallins - The Waterways - is being evacuated.
"We are continuing to monitor the situation and of course to assist people where we can."
