Photos show reason for pressure on Skibbereen as the Ilen burst its banks this morning

The village of Caheragh and the hinterland around Drimoleague has a huge bearing on whether the town of Skibbereen will flood, as it holds the floodplains for the River Ilen, which flows through the town.

These photos show fields in the area between Skibbereen and Caheragh which were heavily flooded this morning, putting pressure on the town, which led to the closure of the Marsh Road and the Mill Road in the town.

There was also some flooding on Townshend Street and at the Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre where the Caol stream runs outside.

With blue skies now overhead, and the wind having receded, the floods will fall back, but not before having done yet more damage to the town.

Skibbereen is still awaiting its long-promised flood relief system for the town.

One of our photos shows the CH Marine building on the Marsh Road with kayaks at the ready for staff at the front door, at 9.30am today.