LATEST ON FLOODING: water levels remain high in Athlone

Water levels in Athlone remain high today and are expected to recede after Friday, according to Westmeath County Council.

According to the latest update from the local authority this lunchtime, the River Shannon remains at a high level through Athlone and its hinterland today.

However, current indications are that the river is at its peak level and is likely to remain at its current level until Friday, December 18. Thereafter, the prediction is that the water will begin to subside.

No additional houses or businesses were subject to flooding in the last 24 hours and there is no issue with the water supply.

The interagency coordination group that has been meeting daily since the onset of the flooding will not meet tomorrow but will meet again on Friday to assess the situation at that time and to plan the recovery operation in the areas that have been subject to flooding. In the meantime, all defences will be maintained and the agencies will continue to support residents in affected areas, according to the council’s latest update.

“The Council wishes to assure all potential visitors to Athlone that the current flooding is impacting a very small part of the town and is having no impact on the town’s retail and commercial areas. All of the roads and streets are open, all car parks are clear and all of the shops, hotels, bars and restuarants are open for business and will remain open in the normal fashion,” added the council’s statement.