Lower River Shannon And County Clare Flooding Update

The Inter Agency Response Team consisting of the above agencies remain concerned about the flood situation throughout the county. There has been further heavy rainfall this morning and more rain is forecast before mid week. The Emergency Response including the Help Line 1890-252-943 will continue on a 24hr basis until further notice. Information is also available on the Clare County Council Website www.clarecoco.ie

Areas of South East Clare, particularly those located along the lower River Shannon, are priority areas and are the focus of ongoing attention. The army, assisted by the Fire Services, Civil Defence and local authority staff have already delivered in excess of 4,000 sandbags to the affected areas.

Arrangements are in hand to evacuate a small number of affected families in the Hampstead Park, Shannon Banks area and accommodation will be arranged where necessary for those people. We have been informed by the ESB that exceptional flooding exists along the River Shannon – the highest on record and this requires the ESB to increase the amount of water that must be released at Parteen Weir. The discharge levels have been growing in recent days but the release of higher volumes of water downstream was unavoidable today. Localised downstream areas have experienced higher flood levels are a result. The Agencies are continuing to monitor the position.

People evacuated in the Ennis Area over the past few days remain in their temporary hotel accommodation and the position about their returning to their homes is being assessed at present time.

Advice will be issued tomorrow regarding the re-opening of schools in Ennis Town, having regard to the situation at that time.

In Ennis, Council Engineers continue to monitor flood levels. The Gort Road remains closed at the Industrial Estate until further notice. Flooding on the actual Industrial Estate has abated and employees there have been able to access their work place. Services to alleviate flooding in this area are continuing. Travel and access restrictions around Ennis Town have been eased. However the co-operation of the public is requested to observe the restrictions that are in place. Liaison is ongoing with the Chamber of Commerce in Ennis.

In excess of 20,000 sandbags have been deployed at various locations throughout Ennis since last Thursday and sandbags continue to be available by ringing the Helpline. The Council appreciates the numerous offers of voluntary assistance it has received and is appealing to local clubs to provide support when requested to do so.

The Council wishes to advise that there has been no deterioration in the quality of the Ennis Public Water Supply and the quality of water is being tested on an on-going basis.

The Council also wishes to remind people to avoid contact with flood waters and to check on any elderly and infirm neighbours. Parents are asked to be particularly vigilant with children.

Information on road closures is constantly being updated on the Council website and through the local radio stations.

Dunphy Public Relations
Connolly, Ennis, Co Clare, IRELAND
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