Photo: Niall Sargent

River Shannon defences to be maintained into new year

River Shannon flooding update

Westmeath County Council, Monday December 21, 4pm

The ESB has issued an updated forecast of river levels along the Shannon for the next five days.

This forecast is based on current flows and takes account of Met Éireann’s rainfall predictions across the catchment.

Unfortunately, the forecast is that river levels may rise slightly between now and December 26 but that the level reached is unlikely to exceed the peak level recorded on Friday last.

On this basis, all defences must be maintained through the Christmas holiday period and most likely into the new year.

The interagency Flood Response Co-ordination Group will meet again on Wednesday at 11am to assess the situation at that time and to make arrangements for the Christmas period.