River Shannon flooding update, Monday December 14, 12.30pm

Press Release – Westmeath County Council

River Shannon flooding update, Monday December 14, 12.30pm

The River Shannon remains at a high level through Athlone and its hinterland today, more than one week after Storm Desmond.

The river is approximately 60cm above normal winter flow levels and this is affecting a small area of the town, primarily the Deerpark Road area on the west side and on the rural area to the south of the town, known as the Callows.

These areas are subject to regular winter flooding but not normally to the current extent.

Westmeath County Council is continuing to coordinate a large interagency response to the current conditions, with assistance from the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, An Garda Síochána, Irish Water, the Department of Social Protection and the Health Service Executive.

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

The council wishes to assure all potential visitors to Athlone that the current flooding is affecting a small part of the town and is having no impact on the town’s retail and commercial areas.

All of the roads and streets are open, all car parks are clear and all of the shops, hotels, bars and restaurants are open for business and will remain open in the normal fashion.