Flooding in Kilkenny, ireland (January 30, 2026)
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Heavy rainfall has caused rivers to swell and resulted in flooding across Kilkenny, Ireland, as of January 30, 2026. The provided text indicates concern about water levels at St Mullins and downstream.
As of January 30, 2026, at 20:06:29 UTC, no considerably newer information regarding the extent or severity of the flooding in Kilkenny has been confirmed beyond the initial reports from RTÉ News.
St Mullins Weir and River Conditions
The St Mullins weirs presented a challenge to vessels navigating the river due to the high water levels.
Weirs are obstructions across rivers that cause water to back up, creating a deeper channel for navigation but also posing a risk if water levels become excessively high.Successfully navigating these structures during a flood event is dependent on both the vessel’s capabilities and the river’s conditions.
The statement “It was lucky it actually got over the weirs in St Mullins” suggests a close call, indicating the water level was near the capacity of the weirs. The comment about the vessel being “still afloat” further emphasizes the challenging conditions.
Water Pressure and River Swelling
There is currently a substantial volume of water flowing down the river, contributing to the flooding situation.
Increased water pressure in rivers is a direct outcome of prolonged and intense rainfall. This pressure can overwhelm natural and artificial flood defenses, leading to inundation of surrounding areas. The statement “There is an awful pressure of water coming down river here at the minute” highlights the immediacy and severity of the situation.
According to RTÉ’s live weather updates,the heavy rain is the primary driver of the river swelling and subsequent flooding.
- Kilkenny County Council: The local authority responsible for emergency response and flood management in Kilkenny. Kilkenny County Council Website
- RTÉ News: The primary source of news updates on the flooding event. RTÉ News Website
- St Mullins: A village in County Carlow, located on the River Barrow, experiencing impacts from the flooding. St Mullins Website
