Floods: Shannon water levels in Athlone to reach maximum tomorrow

Water levels on the River Shannon rose 20mm in Athlone on Monday night and are predicted to peak tomorrow.

Wed, 16 Dec, 2015 - 00:00

Eoghan MacConnell

The level is now 10mm above what was previously predicted as the peak for today, according to Westmeath County Council Director of Services Barry Kehoe.

Using the latest data from the ESB, Mr Kehoe said a further rise of 20mm was expected by tomorrow, with floodwaters predicted to then recede.

“We are comfortable enough with that prediction, but you never know at the same time,” said Mr Kehoe. “Two centimetres is unlikely to make a massive impact, but it is a bit like the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Aerial footage shows extent of floods in Cork, 'above normal' levels of rain forecast this… https://t.co/V4em5FMKPq pic.twitter.com/pXa12GQTOp
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) December 14, 2015

Three houses have so far been flooded in Athlone and a multi-agency operation is under way to protect other properties.

Local councillor Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has been manning flood defences around the clock since last week. He believed the worst of the conditions could be experienced last night.

“It’s lashing up here at the moment and it’s promised heavy winds, so we are saying tonight is the night,” he remarked, adding that if they held out last night, they would be in the clear.

Clean-up of floods will cost millions of euro says minister https://t.co/r7FHZ2DtM8 via @Junomaco (DOD) pic.twitter.com/1ri7OOZ8f0
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) December 14, 2015

Westmeath County Council is continuing to coordinate the response, with assistance from the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, the Gardaí, Irish Water, the Department of Social Protection and the Health Service Executive.

This effort is being augmented by the work of local house and business owners, their neighbours and friends and, to date, the water has been kept at bay, except for the three houses that were flooded last week.

The town’s water supply has not been affected by the deluge and the council is assuring shoppers and visitors that Athlone is very much open for business.