Waterways Ireland has been forced to withdraw an access ramp from the jetty at Clonmacnois due to high water levels.

The move means there is no river access to the historic monastic site in the height of the tourist season.

Boats can still dock at the floating moorings at Clonmacnois, but passengers will be unable to disembark to the adjacent site.

In a marine notice issued today, Waterways Ireland apologised for any inconvenience and said a further marine notice would issue when the situation returned to normal.

The high water levels on the River Shannon in the midlands in recent weeks have caused controversial summer flooding of agricultural land.

Today's move by Waterways Ireland indicates there is no sign of water levels dropping due to continuing rainfall.