Shannon region on high alert as further floods are forecast

Kathryn Hayes

HOUSEHOLDERS living in low-lying areas along the River Shannon remained on high alert last night as defence forces personnel moved in to sandbag dozens of homes in villages outside Limerick.

An inter-agency group, comprising the mid-west local authorities and emergency services, has warned of potential flooding along the lower River Shannon over the coming days.

Property and landowners from south of Killaloe/ Ballina to Limerick city are being advised to exercise caution.

Emergency services were continuing to monitor the situation last night, in conjunction with the ESB at Ardnacrusha, which has been releasing water down the Shannon since Saturday morning to prevent severe flooding upriver.

The Shannon in the villages of Castleconnell and Montpelier remained perilously high yesterday, with more flooding expected. Sandbags were distributed to people in the low-lying vulnerable areas of Montpelier, Mountshannon Road and Castleconnell.

Meanwhile, bad weather led to the closure of Plassey Bridge (known locally as the Black Bridge) over the Shannon near the University of Limerick yesterday.