LATEST: Shannon expected to continue rising slowly until Wednesday next

A new ESB forecast in relation to flooding on the Shannon in Athlone has predicted that the river will continue rising slowly until Wednesday next.

However, the forecast that was issued this afternoon (Friday) contained some potential good news for residents in the affected areas of Athlone, as the river's level locally is now expected to peak at 39.45 metres. This is 150mm lower than the level that was forecast earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Irish Water has advised that there is currently no issue with the quality of water supplied through the public system. 

Westmeath County Council has activated its Flood Emergency Response Plan and a meeting of the interagency Response Committee is held each day at 11am.

At today’s meeting, chaired by the council and attended by representatives of An Garda Siochána, Irish Water, the Defence Forces, the Department of Social Protection, and the HSE, it was agreed that the agencies would continue to assist people to protect their homes and businesses, to provide transport where this is required and to provide other humanitarian assistance.

All response actions will continue over the weekend.

The council said that, at this stage, no houses have been flooded in Athlone town but 'one house has been inundated in the rural area to the south of the town.'

Met Eireann has issued a 'yellow' warning for rainfall in much of Leinster and much of Connacht from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow (Saturday). Falls of very heavy, prolonged rain are forecast, with totals of 25 to 35mm expected.