Editorial: Kilkenny counting the cost of torrential downpours

What a strange month of weather we seem to be having.

First, we had weeks of blazing sunshine and absolute drought. Water levels in reservoirs dipped and there was speculation we would be soon facing night-time restrictions or a hosepipe ban.

Then last weekend and earlier this week, we were hit with torrential downpours that caught everyone by surprise.

Thunder and lightning were prevalent, but it’s the sheer volume of rain falling all at once on dry ground that has wreaked havoc. According to Kilkenny Weather, in the 24 hours between 6pm Friday and 6pm on Saturday, more than the entire month’s average rainfall arrived.

A number of roads were hard to pass, and some were left damaged. Then on Monday, a number of city businesses were hit again badly. As staff scrambled to mitigate the damage, fire engine pumps were called in to try and bail out some of the water they took on.

For those counting the cost of the damage, it’s a big setback right in the busy tourist season.

ARTS LAUNCH
Excitement is mounting ahead of this year’s Kilkenny Arts Festival, which will be its 50th outing.

As expected, it’s a stacked programme for the big anniversary year, with proceedings running from August 10 to 20. The programme will be officially launched this week. There’s lots in there for everyone to enjoy (see page 3).

This year, the festival is calling on artists, audience members, volunteers and the local community to share their memories of the festival.

Memories will be shared as part of a special supplement in the Kilkenny People, with an online display available from the beginning of August and as physical installation presented as part of the festival.

So, if you fondly remember an unforgettable performance, a chance meeting with an artist, or simply the atmosphere of the festival, get in touch and share — written accounts, voice notes, or video clips are all acceptable.