'Unprecedented' water levels recorded in the Shannon

Waterways Ireland have said that all of the Shannon is now in flood, and that unprecedented levels of water have now been recorded.

It comes as the ESB prepares to release more water at Parteen Weir in Co Clare this afternoon - after levels rose again overnight in Lough Derg.

This will result in further flooding downstream with an estimated three inches of water being discharged into an already flooded area.

Waterways said up to 80 millimetres of water has been recorded above the previous record on Lough Ree.

They also said that Carrick-on-Shannon, Athlone, Ballinasloe and parts of county Clare are flooded.

Spokesperson Eanna Roe said they are particularly concerned about Athlone.