Spectacular photo reveals impact of Storm Babet rain in Laois

Storm Babet has caused flooding on already wet land in parts of Laois. 

Local resident Michael G Phelan captured the remarkable scene on the road to the River Erkina at The Curragh between the Woodenbridge and Durrow. 

Mr Phelan said the water had been lying on the land for the last couple of weeks but Storm Babet had heightened water levels. 

He said local farmers would like to see works carried out downstream on the Erkina in order to alleviate water levels. 

Mr Phelan had planned to cross the road on his quad this morning but was forced to turn back due to the rising water. 

He said there was grass on the fields but local farmers had to take their cattle in due to the conditions. 

“It hasn’t been grazed for the last month or more,” he explained. 

The early housing of animals creates additional feed costs for farmers in the area. 

“So much rain fell over the summer the ground was saturated,” he said. 

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He was thankful no homes in the area were under threat and said the  “inconvenience” is put in perspective when it is compared to the devastating flooding in Cork.