River Shannon in Athlone – update, Monday January 4, 12.30pm

The River Shannon in Athlone is now 4cm above the maximum level reached in 2009 and is putting increasing pressure on defences in the town and the rural areas.

An updated ESB forecast is expected later today and a further statement will issue.

The flood defences within Athlone are withstanding the rising water levels and pumping is ongoing.

Army personnel have been deployed since Saturday evening, January 2, to assist council staff and volunteers in the maintenance of the defences and pumping operations.

Twenty three residential units in Bastian Quay apartments were evacuated yesterday, January 3, due to a loss of electrical supply caused by rising water levels.

A number of residents in cut-off rural areas of Carrickobrien and Golden Island were also accommodated yesterday and as of this morning, a total of 48 families have been provided with accommodation.

The public are advised to exercise extreme caution in flooded areas and in the vicinity of the River Shannon.

A further update will issue on receipt of the next ESB forecast and the next meeting of the Flood Response Coordination Group will take place on Tuesday January 5 at 11am.