Tag Archives: flooding

Clare County Council says it is anticipating an increase in water levels on the Lower River Shannon at Springfield, Clonlara later this evening and overnight as a result of forecast rainfall and the impact of the spill rate of 470 cubic metres per second (cumecs) being maintained at Parteen Weir by the ESB. The local authority, assisted by Clare Civil Defence and The Defence Forces, is maintaining a 24-hour presence to assist residents affected by flooding and to respond to any additional impact. Approximately 5,000 sandbags have been installed in the Springfield area to assist residents of up to 15 properties. Additional sandbags are on standby if required. Up to 30 pumps have been deployed to and are operating in the area. Met Éireann currently has a Yellow Weather Advisory in place for County Clare and is forecasting that a band of rain will move slowly northeastwards over Ireland through this afternoon, evening and tonight. Rainfall amounts of 15 to …

The ESB has cautioned that the levels in Lough Derg have increased marginally in the past 24 hours and that the flow of water through Parteen Weir will remain at 470 cubic metres per second today (Tuesday). The situation will be reviewed again tomorrow. The levels in Lough Derg may reach 2009 levels in the coming days and, as a result, the flow through Parteen Weir may increase up to those levels (up to 500 cumecs). This level of water flow will continue to have associated flooding to land and property in the vicinity of the Shannon downstream of Parteen Weir including the areas of Springfield, Montpelier, Castleconnell, Mountshannon (Annacotty) and the University of Limerick. Other areas between Parteen Weir and Limerick may also be vulnerable to flooding due to local issues. ESB is continuing to monitor the situation and is liaising with the relevant county councils.  

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), has today (Monday) issued a reminder to all road users to continue to exercise caution when using the roads. Even though weather conditions have improved, road conditions in parts of the country are still hazardous due to the continued presence of flooding on roads. There is also the added danger posed by storm damaged road surfaces and gravel / stones deposited by surface water, especially on regional roads. The RSA advises the following: Driver behaviour needs to match the road conditions on roads. Debris deposited by the recent rainwater (surface run off) and wet roads will reduce grip so drivers are asked to slow down and increase braking distances, by leaving a bigger gap between vehicles. DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded roads as stranded cars are causing obstruction and a hazard in some locations. Pay attention to any advice or signage that either the local authorities or the gardaí have in place for road closures …

President Michael D Higgins visited Labane in South Galway today (Monday) and met some the farm families and business people affected by severe flooding. “I took the opportunity of thanking all of the agencies and volunteers who have been assisting those affected and of paying tribute to the extraordinary sense of community that has prevailed for nearly a month now,” President Higgins said. Continuing, he said, “One particular aspect of the floods in Labane to highlight is the situation of those who are isolated and marooned and facing a painful wait for the waters to recede. It is only then that the task of recovery, in so far as possible, can begin.” The President expressed thanks to the Army who have been in Labane since December 9. “I had the opportunity as well of directly thanking the voluntary services, the State agencies and the local authorities, who are all working together with a great sense of cooperation. “While everybody was …

Residents on the outskirts of Clonlara, who have been left marooned by rising flood waters, have urged Agriculture Minister not to forget them ahead of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. Minister Coveney visited some residents in a flat bottom boat with the help of the Irish Defence Forces early on Sunday morning. The Cork Deputy, who was the first government representative to visit the devastated community, since it began to flood nearly a month ago, spoke to householders,  who are cut off from their homes due to the flooding of a local access road. Standing with the minister in the river of water surrounding her home, resident, Lisa Griffin asked the minister to save the community from the regular incidence of flooding, which first started in 1995. When the ESB-operated Parteen Weir reaches capacity, the company releases excess volumes of water, which in turn results in Springfield and the wider Clonlara area becoming flooded. “If you are going to protect Athlone you are going …

Water levels on the Lower River Shannon at Springfield, Clonlara, reached the November 2009 peak level during Wednesday afternoon but have since receded by approximately 100mm, Clare County Council has said. The council has received confirmation from the ESB of its decision to maintain the spill rate at Parteen Weir at 440 cubic metres per second during today (Thursday). The council says it is monitoring water levels at Springfield, having regard to any potential increase in the spill rate at Parteen Weir and flood levels on the Mulkear River, which enters the River Shannon south of Annacotty. Clare County Council area staff, Clare County Fire & Rescue Service, The Defence Forces and Clare Civil Defence are continuing to provide support on the ground in Springfield, as well as assist in the transportation of residents of approximately a dozen properties isolated by floodwaters. Meanwhile, at Ballycoree Bridge, Ballyalla, Ennis, the River Fergus has recorded its third highest flow rate on record. The flow …

The Irish Red Cross has launched a public appeal for funds to help victims of the storms that have swept across the country in recent weeks. “Since Storm Desmond struck near the start of the month, Irish Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground helping out people in their communities. “We’ve carried out evacuations, provided flood barriers, water pumps, fuel, food, drinking water, small cash payments and other forms of humanitarian relief such as making deliveries and helping clean up storm damage. “Our ambulances and 4x4s have been called into auxiliary service supporting the HSE, local authorities and gardaí, and remain on stand-by in many parts of the country,“ Irish Red Cross secretary general, Liam O’Dwyer said. As the severe weather continues and more communities are affected, the Irish Red Cross has made a public appeal for financial support to help this work continue. Donations can be made at www.redcross.ie or on 1850 50 70 70 or 01 64 …

With widespread flooding on roads in many parts of the country, motorists are advised to heed the local authority warnings. The RSA also has useful advice on their website. People should avoid contact with floodwaters, which may be contaminated. If it is necessary to walk through floodwater, use a stick or walking pole to test the ground under the water. Do not enter flowing floodwaters – they may be deeper and faster flowing than they appear. The public is reminded to avoid walking along riverbanks, which may be unsafe due to swollen rivers until it is safe to do so. They are also requested to heed any public warnings from the local authorities or local media outlets. People are further advised to follow local flood warnings issued through local authorities for more detailed information. With strong winds and high seas expected over coming days, the Coast Guard advice to people remains the same – anybody who might visit coastal areas should take care. …