Council issues latest update on flood alert

Westmeath County Council has activated its flood emergency response plan today.

Water levels in the River Shannon are continuing to rise slowly and increased by 5cm overnight. 

The council said it has received an ESB forecast that is indicating that the River Shannon in Athlone will continue to rise up to Friday. The highest predicted level is 39.35m OD, which is approximately 20cm above current levels. 

Westmeath County Council has activated its Flood Emergency Response Plan and a meeting of the Interagency Response Committee was held today at 11am. At today’s meeting, chaired by Westmeath County Council and attended by representatives of the Defence Forces, An Garda Siochána, Irish Water, HSE, Civil Defence and the Department of Social Protection, it was agreed that the agencies would continue to  protect public infrastructure, assist people to protect their homes and businesses, and to provide other humanitarian assistance. 

The combination of permanent and temporary flood defences in Athlone town is proving to be effective in preventing significant flooding and it is anticipated that the predicted rise of 20cm by Friday, will not cause major difficulties in the town.

However, the inundation of rural areas adjacent to the Shannon is causing major issues for rural residents and farmers. Assistance is being provided to people in these areas and this will be widened as the need arises in terms of transport and other services over the coming days.