Flood fears growing in Athlone

There are growing concerns tonight over potential flooding in the wider Athlone area as water levels continue to rise significantly.
Shannon water levels have risen a massive 11 inches since midnight on Thursday last, according to official Office of Public Works figures.
Data from the OPW shows that its measuring station just south of Athlone weir recorded water level of 35.3 metres above Ordnance Datum on midnight Thursday, January 18. But it had risen to 35.6 at 7.30pm this evening (Wednesday) – up 30 centimetres (or over 11 inches) in six days.
The level this evening is just 17 centimetres or six and a half inches below that which prompted Westmeath County Council to issue a flood alert two years ago.

 

The scene on the callows at the old Athlone Showgrounds this morning.

 

The floods of two winters ago sparked a huge undertaking by local residents, the local authority and later the army to limit the damage in the Athlone area.

Nevertheless a large number of homes and properties were inundated with flood waters and there was a huge impact on the daily lives of hundreds.
The record flood levels recorded in Athlone – on January 4, 2015 – the height of the horrific floods two years ago – was 36.36m above Ordnance Datum.
That’s 29 inches or two and a half feet above the current level.
With the heavy rains from Storm Georgina still to flow downstream from the Upper Shannon region, there are concerns that the town may face the first flooding threat later this week.
The Minister of State at the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, whose brief includes flood relief, said today that the level of water discharge through Parteen and Ardnacrusha has now been increased to 600 cubic metres per second since 9am this morning.

He added the situation was being closely monitored and he was doing everything in his power.

Below the canal and The Big Meadow walkway (under water) this evening.