FLOODING UPDATE: River Shannon expected to rise further

The River Shannon in Athlone remains at a high level and it is expected that the river will rise by a further 8cm by Saturday,January 2. Present indications are that the river will not reach the levels recorded in 2009. 

That's according to Westmeath County Council's update on flooding which has been issued today, after the Flood Response Interagency Group met this morning.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow National Weather Warning for rainfall in County Westmeath over the next 24 hours and this rain will be accompanied by strong winds. This weather is likely to give rise to spot flooding across the county and motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution.

The meeting was attended by Westmeath County Council, An Garda Siochána, Irish Water, the Defence Forces, Civil Defence and the HSE. It was agreed that the agencies would continue to assist people to protect their homes and businesses, to provide transport where this is required and to provide other humanitarian assistance.

At present, flood defences are being reinforced, pumping is ongoing and accommodation and transport are available as required.

A further update will issue after the meeting of the Flood Response Coordination Group, which will take place on Thursday.