Water discharge at Parteen to add three inches to flood waters

The ESB has announced that it will increase the discharge of water from Parteen Weir today, adding about three inches to water levels downstream as far as Limerick city.

Water levels in Lough Derg increased significantly overnight to an all-time high due to heavy rainfall, the ESB said in a statement, forcing the discharge of additional water today from Parteen.

The discharge will happen gradually throughout the day, starting around now, and its full effects will be felt about eight hours later downstream.

This will add an estimated three inches of flood water to already saturated land downstream.

"The total rate of water discharge from Parteen Weir is not expected to exceed the rate set on Monday. However it is expected to cause increased flood levels downstream of Parteen Weir...as it is discharging into an already flooded area," the ESB said.

Parteen Weir is about 10 miles from Limerick city.

While land in the Limerick City administrative area has been flooded there has been no flood damage caused to houses or businesses.

All roads within the City Council’s administrative area are passable to vehicular traffic.

The pedestrian walkways along the canal are closed and members of the public are advised not to use them until further notice. Members of the public are advised to stay away from any land that is flooded within the city boundary and not to use the waterways for leisure purposes.

Residents and businesses within the city area with specific concerns regarding the flood warning can contact the Council at 061 407100 during normal office hours and in the case of emergency 061 417833 outside of those hours.