River Shannon continues to rise as rain keeps on falling

Water levels on the River Shannon are continuing to rise with heavy rain battering much of the country.

A yellow rainfall warning is in place for Munster and Leinster until 7pm.

Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford are likely to be worst affected, with an extra 15 to 25 mm of rain.

It is expected to be heaviest on high ground.

River Shannon encroaching towards the back door. pic.twitter.com/VJcRgY2HTU

— Eleanor Tiernan (@eleanortiernan) December 26, 2015

In Westmeath, 40 County Council workers and volunteers have been manning pumps throughout the Christmas period.

Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council have received confirmation from the ESB of its decision to increase the flow rate at Parteen Weir by 35 cubic metres of water per second (cumecs) from 335 cumecs to 370 cumecs.

The councils said that water levels have risen on Lough Derg, located on the lower River Shannon.

The short term outlook is for further heavy rainfall over the weekend and during the early days of next week.

Director of Services Barry Kehoe says the levels on the Shannon in Athlone have increased by 8cm in the last few days.

Mr Kehoe said: "Unfortunately with recent rain, it'ds on the way back up again and we have to maintain defences. We've been maintaining them right through Christmas and it looks like they are going to have to be maintianed now for quite a bit longer given the weather forecast.

"Sao it's a very difficult situation on the ground with pumps having to be maintained 24 hours a day and defences as well and accommodation for people."