Aerial view of flooding in Thomastown earlier this year / Picture: Kilkenny County Council
Kilkenny County Council is still awaiting government funding to help lessen the financial impact of widespread flooding that struck the county earlier this year.
Elected members were told at the latest plenary meeting that a formal submission has been made to the Department of Transport seeking support for an estimated €5 million in road repairs following the severe weather events between January 23 and February 3, 2026.
The update was delivered by Director of Services Mary Mulholland, who outlined the scale of damage caused to homes, businesses and infrastructure across the county.
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In total, 37 homes and 46 business premises were affected, along with 11 public areas.
Thomastown recorded 18 homes and 18 businesses impacted and nearby Graignamanagh saw 13 homes and 23 businesses affected.
The council confirmed that 17 roads were forced to close during the flooding, while 69 roads were damaged.
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The cost of repairs has been estimated at €5 million, forming the basis of the funding request to central government.
A breakdown of damage shows €2.4 million required in the Callan-Thomastown Municipal District, €1.4 million in Castlecomer MD and €1.2 million in Piltown MD. Damage to bridges is estimated at a further €55,000.
The council has also outlined interim flood relief measures costing just over €1 million.
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Plans include the deployment of aqua-dam flood barriers and additional pumping equipment in several locations.
County-wide works will also include CCTV surveys of surface water drainage systems and further flood defence equipment.
Other priorities include ongoing support of impacted communities, improving emergency response planning and building long-term climate resilience.
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