Level of River Shannon is falling

The level of the River Shannon in Athlone is falling and is now back to the maximum level recorded in 2009.

That's according to a statement released by Westmeath County Council.

"It is expected that this trend will continue over the foreseeable future but the rate of decline in the level of the river will be very slow at about 2cm per day," read the statement. 

The Flood Response Interagency Group met this morning and the meeting was attended by Westmeath County Council, An Garda Siochána, Irish Water, the Defence Forces, Civil Defence and the HSE.

The flood defences within Athlone have withstood the new record water levels and the challenge now is to maintain these defences and associated pumping infrastructure for a number of weeks while the water drains away.

Transport services to the flooded rural areas to the south of Athlone will continue for as long as these are required and this service is available to bring children to school and to bring other residents to Athlone.

A further update will be issued after the meeting of the Flood Response Coordination Group, which will take place on Tuesday January 12 at 11am.