River Shannon flooding update

Press Release – Westmeath County Council

River Shannon flooding update

Tuesday December 15, noon

The River Shannon remains at a high level through Athlone and its hinterland today.

However, current indications are that the river is close to its peak level and may rise by approximately 2cm between now and Thursday December 16.

Thereafter, the prediction is that the water will begin to recede.

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.

There is no issue with the water supply at the present time.

The council wishes to assure all potential visitors to Athlone that the current flooding is impacting a very 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.