Localised flooding in Athlone and surrounds due to heavy rainfall

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Heavy rain yesterday evening (Wednesday) led to localised flooding across parts of Athlone and the surrounding area, with several roads temporarily impassable and fields left waterlogged.

Local residents reported surface water on roads in and around Ballinahown, Moate, and various parts of Athlone town, while the Ballydangan to Bealnamulla road experienced severe flooding at the railway bridge in Drum, rendering it impassable for motorists.

Westmeath County Council crews worked to respond to flooding issues, with local councillors noting that sandbags can be made available to residents whose properties are at risk of flooding. The council confirmed that staff remain on standby to deal with any further incidents.

Cllr John Dolan said that while some areas “were bad in and about the countryside,” the flooding was mainly due to the “sheer volume of rain” falling over a short period.

Cllr Tom Farrell added that a week’s worth of rain fell in about five hours, leading to a surplus of surface water.

Cllr Frankie Keena said the downpours had brought to light the urgent need to clean out gullies around the town.

“The pressure on the gullies has been unbelievable,” he said. “When we get this level of rain in such a short space of time, the water can’t get away fast enough if the gullies are blocked. We need to have them properly cleaned out before we get deeper into the winter.”

He identified several blackspot areas that repeatedly flood during heavy rain, including Retreat Road, under the railway bridge, and parts of the N55. He also highlighted Glasson and Moydrum as areas of concern for flooding.

“We have had serious problems with traffic being delayed in those areas,” he said. “The council has been working to keep roads open, but we need long-term investment and possibly OPW funding to fix these issues once and for all.”

By Thursday morning, most of the floodwater had receded, and roads were reported to be largely clear again.

“There was a lot of flooding, and the rivers are all very high, but we've seen nothing catastrophic as such,” Cllr Farrell said.

Cllr Keena added that while council crews were out last night clearing roads, further flooding could occur as the winter progresses.

“Unfortunately, we’re only at the start of the season,” he said. “The weather could change from wet to frosty or stormy conditions in a matter of days, so we all need to be prepared.”

Road users are advised to continue exercising caution and to check local traffic and weather updates before setting out on any journey.

Anyone experiencing flash flooding can contact Westmeath County Council at (044) 933 2000