Louth County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met on Wednesday afternoon to review the impact of Storm Bram, which resulted in significant coastal flooding and wind damage across the county on Tuesday.

Preparation and Flood Impact

Ahead of the predicted high tides and surge levels, the council distributed sandbags and activated flood barriers in coastal areas on Monday. Despite these measures, upper flood levels were approximately 200mm higher than forecast by flood models.

Blackrock sustained the most damage, with a combination of high tides and gale-force winds causing waves to overtop the promenade walls.

When it became apparent that the storm surge was significantly higher than forecast, road closures were implemented at several locations across the county. These closures remained in place until water had receded, and clean-up operations could begin.

North Louth

  • Coastal flooding impacted Blackrock, causing damage to paving stones and vehicles that were parked on Main Street. Road sweepers were deployed to assist with the cleanup on Tuesday evening, while council crews, along with voluntary groups such as Blackrock Tidy Towns, continued the
  • George’s Quay in Dundalk also experienced flooding, with Louth County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service assisting with pumping at the Spirit Store. As a result, the junction at Quay Street was closed for an hour after vehicles became stranded in floodwater.
  • The council’s Out-of-Hours crew worked overnight to clear gravel and seaweed from Shore Road, Ballagan, restoring access for residents who were blocked from their homes. Crews returned on Wednesday to remove the remaining debris.
  • The Out-of-Hours crew also attended a spillage of clay and mud at Junction 17 of the M1 at 1am on Wednesday, where it had spread to the N53.
  • One fallen tree blocked the Hackballscross to Knockbridge road, which reopened after a three-hour closure.

Mid Louth

  • Fallen trees were reported across the area, including three evergreens in Castlebellingham, which were cleared at 6pm Tuesday.
  • Crews also removed a tree blocking the Kells Road near Collon.

South Louth

  • Multiple fallen trees were cleared at Termonfeckin Road, King William’s Glen, Slane Road and Forest Park.
  • A wall collapsed onto Togher Road during gale-force winds and was made safe by crews during daylight hours.
  • Almost 30 tonnes of debris were washed up on Baltray Road at Bankstown and had to be promptly cleared by council crews.
  • Marsh Road was badly affected by flooding, with road sweepers deployed to clear gullies. Further pressure jetting of pipework will be required on Wednesday to remove silt arising from the storm.

Louth County Council thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation and acknowledges the efforts of staff who worked tirelessly to minimise disruption and restore normal conditions. The council’s SWAT will review all aspects of its response to Storm Bram as part of its ongoing review of emergency response.