By Dorottya Fejes and Caitlín Martin
Storm Amy has caused major disruptions across the country. Met Éireann warned of hazardous driving conditions and the risk of loose objects being displaced as the first named storm of the season arrived.
Here are the latest updates:
Saturday, 4 October
10:20am – Irish Rail says almost all services have now been restored, though services between Dundalk and Belfast remain suspended until 12pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, passengers in Galway are advised to allow extra travel time due to engineering works between Athenry and Galway, which will continue until Sunday, 5 October. Trains will only operate as far as Athenry, with bus transfers in place between Athenry, Oranmore and Galway in both directions.
Friday, 3 October
7:45pm – Looking ahead, tomorrow (4 October) will be wet and windy across Connacht, with a Status Yellow wind warning in place for Clare, Kerry, Galway and Mayo until midday. Heavy morning showers are expected but will ease and clear by the afternoon. In Galway City, temperatures will reach around 14 degrees, accompanied by strong winds.
6:00pm – The Status Red wind warning has now expired in Donegal, but a Status Orange warning remains in place until 10pm. Travelling conditions are still hazardous due to localised floodings, debris, loose objects and fallen trees.
5:15pm – Around 184,000 homes, farms and businesses are currently without electricity, ESB Networks says. The most affected areas are Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Donegal. The company warns that restoration work is ongoing, although “it is likely that the majority of customers will not have their power restored tonight due to the hazardous weather conditions and accessibility challenges.” Further power outages can also be expected.
People are urged to stay clear of fallen wires and to report any damage to the network or downed lines by calling 1800 372 999. Updates on outages and restoration times can be found on www.PowerCheck.ie
4:55pm – Gardaí and emergency services are at the scene of a serious injury incident in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, this afternoon. The incident occurred shortly after 4:15pm and is believed to be weather-related.
4:30pm – Several key roads in Galway are closed this afternoon due to flooding and storm damage.
Galway County Council has issued the following update:
- N59 is blocked both east and west of Kylemore Abbey
- R341 at Ballinafad Church and R336 from Screebe to Maam Cross are impassable
- R344 near Gleninagh Cottage in the Inagh Valley is closed but may recede quickly
Other routes remain open with extreme caution:
- N59 at Killeen House, Rahoon, has a flooded westbound lane
- Temporary traffic lights are in place near Pine Island Viewpoint at the R341 Roundstone junction
- A fallen tree is blocking the R336 between Maam and Leenaun for high-sided vehicles, though cars can pass
- Further issues are reported on the R336 near Ulta Beaga and at Camus Lake
In Galway City:
- Ballyloughane Beach Road is restricted to local access only
- Seapoint Promenade from the D’Arcy Roundabout to Galway Business School is closed
3:30pm – A Status Red wind warning has been issued for Donegal (from 4pm until 6pm) as extremely strong winds are expected. Possible impacts include wave overtopping and structural damage.
Galway City Centre is currently inaccessible via the Wolfe Tone Bridge.
Weather Warnings for Friday, 3 October:
- Status Orange wind warning for Clare, Connacht and Donegal (2pm until 10pm)
- Status Yellow wind warning for Ireland (12pm until midnight)
- Status Yellow rain warning for Galway and Kerry (9am until 3pm)
Meteorologist Ailís Hankinson warns of possible localised flooding as “trees are still in leaf at this time of the year, so there could be higher impacts from fallen trees and leaves blocking drains.”
Road Closures in Galway City
Toft Car Park, Salthill Car Park and Silverstrand Road have been closed to the public until further notice. Ballyloughane Beach Road will remain open for local access only.
Event Cancellations and Alterations across the City
- Galway City Council has cancelled all Eastside Arts Festival events on Friday, 3 October.
- The University of Galway ends its Open Day early on Friday, at 1.30pm instead of the scheduled 3pm.
- Galway City Museum will close early, at 1pm on Friday.
- Run Galway Bay, the largest multi-distance running event in Galway City has been postponed to Saturday, 11 October.
Major Attraction Closures
Due to flooding, Kylemore Abbey, one of the most visited attractions in the West of Ireland will remain closed until 12pm on Saturday, 4 October.
For more information and advice, visit Met Éireann’s website.