Shannon 'will continue rising until Sunday' in Athlone

The River Shannon in Athlone is projected to rise by another 6 centimetres between now and Sunday, according to the ESB. 

An update was issued this afternoon (Thursday) by Westmeath County Council, which included details of the latest ESB forecast regarding water levels on the river locally. 

The council said the current expectation is that river levels will continue to rise between now and Sunday, and are likely to peak at 39.30mOD, which is approximately 6cm above current levels. 

The council said it was confident that the rising levels would not cause "major difficulties" in the town but that rural areas were being seriously impacted.

"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 6cm by Sunday, March 1, will not cause major difficulties in the town," said the local authority's statement.

"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," the council concluded.