LIMERICK:HOMEOWNERS in flood-prone areas along the lower Shannon were warned to be prepared in the event of an emergency evacuation last night as worsening weather conditions and the extra release of water into the river raised fears of further flooding.
Limerick County Council issued the warning as the ESB released more water into the Shannon river at Ardnacrusha increasing water levels by three inches.
Householders in high-risk areas such as Montpelier, O’Briensbridge, Clonlara, Shannon Banks and Castleconnel were warned by the local authority to remain alert to flooding risks and to have a “family flood plan” ready in case of a deterioration in conditions.
Sandbags were being distributed to homes in villages along the lower Shannon yesterday while there was growing concern that high tides and further heavy rainfall forecast for the coming days would lead to increased flooding over the weekend.
Some 27 families living in flood-prone areas along the lower Shannon were evacuated from their homes in recent days and offered emergency accommodation at Jurys Inn in Limerick city. An 80-year-old wheelchair user from Clonlara, Co Clare, had to be evacuated for the second time in a number of days last Monday night after her daughter’s home where she had been staying came under threat from rising waters. It is understood a second family from Clonlara was evacuated yesterday morning.
Some 22 families were also evacuated from their homes on Monday night following flooding in Hampstead Park in Shannon Banks, while three families were evacuated from houses in Springfield Drive in Castleconnell.
Limerick Fine Gael TD Michael Noonan, who was among a group of midwest TDs who met ESB officials in Leinster House last night, called for a review of the electricity company’s management of water flow in the Shannon.“When this crisis is over I am going to call for a full review of the water management of the lower Shannon by the ESB and the other agents because it is not satisfactory.
It’s time for a review because the current management structure dates back to 1929 when most of the houses which are being affected didn’t exist,” he said.
“There has been building on the flood planes along Clonlara and Shannon banks since then,” said the former Fine Gael leader.
Limerick City Council said its crisis management team was continuing to hold meetings to discuss the flood warning issued earlier this week.
The council said there was no “immediate threat” of flooding to properties within its administrative area and while land had been flooded there had been no damage to houses or businesses.
The pedestrian walkways along the canal remained closed yesterday however and members of the public were advised not to use them until further notice.
“Members of the public are advised to stay away from any land that is flooded within the city boundary,” said a council spokesman.