Record high tides pose flooding threat to Irish cities

SOME of the highest tides in a century are set to swamp the Irish coastline this week, prompting flood contingency plans in a number of high-risk areas.

Residents and businesses are battening down the hatches as higher than normal tides are forecast all week due to an alignment of the Earth, Moon and Sun, sending tides surging to up to 30% higher than normal levels.

Key areas at risk are the cities of Cork, Dublin, Galway and Waterford; as well as Carrick-on-Suir, Dundalk, and Drogheda. All low-lying areas, such as coastal or estuarine ports, are expected to be affected by the tides.