Ireland Cleans Up; Union Calls for Climate Leave

Parts of Ireland are engaged in clean-up operations following significant disruption caused by Storm Chandra. The storm brought heavy winds and torrential rain, leading to power outages for up to 20,000 properties at its peak, flight cancellations, and numerous school closures. Commuter routes faced severe disruptions due to flooding and debris, with a burst water main in Dublin and a fallen tree impacting rail services.

The severe weather has intensified calls for updated health and safety legislation, with the union Unite advocating for paid climate leave. This leave would be available for days when extreme weather prevents travel to work or requires workers to attend to home needs. Unite also proposes employer obligations for graduated alert-based responses to weather warnings.

As clean-up continues, the threat of further flooding looms, with Met Eireann issuing yellow rain warnings for several counties. Government officials are assessing flood damage, amid ongoing public concern regarding delays in national flood relief schemes. Similar weather warnings are in effect for Northern Ireland, anticipating more rainfall on already saturated ground.