UPDATE: Residents begin to return to apartment complex

Power has been restored to the Bastion Quay apartment complex on Athlone's westside this evening.

Residents are beginning to return to their apartments at the facility after a team involving Cllr Kevin Boxer Moran and local volunteers, the ESB, Westmeath County Council and complex management devised a successful plan to clear the area surrounding the ESB sub station of water.

Although all ground floor apartments were completely dry, the residents had been notified of the need to leave the complex on Sunday afternoon after power had been cut off by the ESB. Many had been accommodated in a local hotel overnight.

A major pump is in operation in the complex, with extra sand bagging in place as well.