Storm Éowyn: Councils working to clear more than 35 roads across Cork

A fire brigade cordon in Cobh, Co Cork as the road and footpath remained closed for a number of hours on Friday morning after scaffolding was blown over onto a parked car following strongs winds and gusts overnight during Storm Éowyn. Picture: Larry Cummins

Cork City Council has successfully cleared more than half of the 20 roads blocked overnight by Storm Éowyn, with 12 roads now reopened. 

Crews continue to work on the remaining blocked routes, aiming to restore access safely and efficiently.

Starting at 10am, Cork City Council teams focused on removing fallen trees and debris from affected roads. 

The Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team remains active, monitoring the situation as recovery efforts continue.

A Status Yellow warning is currently in effect until 4pm this afternoon.

Meanhwile. Cork County Council has reported that more than 35 roads across the county remain blocked due to fallen trees, powerlines, and debris, creating extremely hazardous conditions. 

Cork County Council has stated that the county “escaped the worst” of the storm, with other areas more severely impacted.

Phonelines and emails are down at the council offices in Cobh, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Schull and Bandon this morning.

Despite the storm’s intensity, Padraig Barrett, director of services with the local authority, reassured the public that there are no concerns about flooding.

Among the priority routes for clearance are the R586 Ballineen to Bandon Road, the R600 Kinsale to Ballinspittle Road, and the R612 Carrigaline to Crosshaven Road, all currently impassable.

The M8 Blackwater Viaduct in Fermoy and the N71 near Glengarriff Golf Club have now reopened, but other roads, including Burkes Hill from Mayfield GAA to N8 Lower Glanmire Road and parts of the Lee Road, remain blocked.

Cork City Council crews are working to address fallen trees on Glen Avenue, the North Ring Road near Shannon Lawn, and Silver Heights, while fallen trees and debris have been reported in Shanballymore, Rockchapel, Spur Hill, and other areas across the county.

A full list of roads currently being worked on is at the bottom of this article.

20,000 Without Power in Cork 

More than 20,000 homes and businesses across Cork remain without power as ESB Networks crews begin assessing the damage caused by winds of up to 130km/h. 

Nationwide, over 715,000 were affected at the height of the storm, and the ESB PowerCheck website experienced technical issues earlier due to the scale of the outages.

Hospital Services

Cork University Hospital has resumed dialysis for kidney disease patients at 12pm having paused earlier in the day due to the storm. 

Some renal nurses and patients slept overnight at the Munster Renal Support Centre run by the Irisk Kidney Association. It sits about 200m from the hospital.

The HSE said all non-urgent appointments and clinics remain cancelled for today across Cork and Kerry.

Travel and Airport Disruptions 

Cork Airport has resumed flight operations following earlier delays and cancellations. 

Barry Holland, the airport’s communications manager, confirmed the first departures left after 10am as winds eased, with further flights arriving and departing throughout the day. 

Passengers are advised to check with airlines for up-to-date information.

Meanwhile, Bus Éireann services were heavily disrupted this morning but are expected to gradually resume from noon.

Weather Alerts Downgraded 

The Status Red wind warning for Cork ended at 10am, with a Status Orange alert in place until noon, followed by a Status Yellow warning until 4pm Despite the reduced alerts, Cork County Council urges the public to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain cautious of hazards on the roads.

Public Facilities Closed 

All public facilities, including parks and libraries, remain closed today, and the council has urged the public to avoid coastal areas due to high risks from debris and rough seas. 

The Irish Coast Guard has reiterated its safety message: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.” 

Incidents and hazards can be reported to Cork County Council’s emergency line at 021 4800048.

The following roads are particularly impacted:

• R586 by Carhoon West: Tree blocking the road from Ballineen to Bandon. Road closed.
• Ballygarvan: Tree partially blocking Ballygarvan quarry entrance.
• Twomileinn to Mogeely: Reports of a tree down.
• R512: Tree down between Glanworth and Kildorrery.
• R619 Coachford: Tree down near GAA Pitch.
• N71 Smorane: Tree blocking one side of the road from Skibbereen to Leap.
• Quarry Hall Grenagh: Tree down.
• Mallow Golf Club: Tree down, road fully obstructed.
• L2225 Maglin to Jimmys Cross: Tree down.
• Killavullen Village to Fermoy: Tree down.
• Macroom, Ummera: Road blocked after tree fell on powerlines.
• Coachford to Carrigadrohid: Tree partially blocking the road.
• R629 Ballinacurra to Cloyne: Tree down, road fully obstructed.
• L2989 Ballard Hill: Tree down.
• L7009 Pottery Road, Cobh: Tree down, road fully blocked.
• Drakes Pool Rabbit Island: Access to Crosshaven completely blocked for emergency services due to tree down.
• Sheeps Head: Tree blocking the road.
• Copstown Cross to Liscaroll: Tree down.
• R600-196 Ballinspittle to Kinsale: Tree blocking the road just after the bridge.
• L5500-0 near Ballyhea GAA pitch: Reports of a tree down.
• Bear Forest Road, Ballyellis, Mallow: Tree down just outside College Wood Estate.
• N73 outside Mitchelstown: Tree down.
• Ballinrea Cross, Carrigaline: Reports of a tree down.
• Whitewell Cross from Whitegate: Tree down.
• Killumney village: Reports of a tree down.
• Cooldurragha, Union Hall: Tree blocking the road.
• Glengarriff: Tree down blocking the road in and out, near Glengarriff Golf Club.
• N22 Crookstown to Macroom: Tree blocking half of the main road.
• Carrigaline: Tree down outside the gate of Avondale United Pitch, blocking the road to Fernhill.
• Hilltop, Rafeen Hill: Tree down at the top.
• Ballymore to Cobh: Big tree down.
• R629 Balliancurra to Cloyne: Tree down.
• R630 Whitewell Cross, Rostellan side: Trees down, road open and passable.
• L-3627-0 Mogeely: Tree down, road blocked.
• N25 Midleton to Castlemartyr: Large branch down.
• L6463 Glen Road, Ballygarvan: Tree down on wires