LOWER SHANNON REGION:HOMEOWNERS ACROSS the lower Shannon are on flood alert today ahead of a spring tide this evening.
The highest tide following the new moon is set to see the Shannon rise by a further 1m (3ft)over the coming days.
There was some good news for householders in flood-prone areas, however, with confirmation that water levels in Lough Derg had fallen by a further 6cm.
The ESB also confirmed that it had reduced water levels being released at Parteen Weir.
The company said water levels would recede slowly downstream by an estimated 7cm to 8cm during the course of yesterday, while it’s expected that this discharge rate may reduce further over the coming days.
Limerick city residents were being urged to remain on high alert, however, as high tides could lead to flooding this week.
Limerick city manager Tom Mackey advised homeowners to remain vigilant, especially residents in the Mill Road and Lucas Drive areas of Corbally. Thousands of sandbags have been deployed by Limerick City Council to properties in vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure, according to Mr Mackey.
The areas identified as vulnerable include low-lying sections of, Lucas Drive, the part of Mill Road directly bounding the river Shannon, Siúl na hAbhann estate, and Meadowbrook.
“There is no immediate threat of flooding to properties outside of the vulnerable areas listed above,” noted a statement. “Sandbags are therefore not being distributed to any other areas at the moment. The situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis, and if the city council decides it is necessary to deploy sandbags in additional areas this will be done.”
Meanwhile, the Clare Crisis Management Centre confirmed last night that it received in excess of 900 phone calls to its 24-hour emergency helpline during its period of operation from Thursday, November 19th, to Friday, November 27th, 2009.
Members of the public affected by flooding in Co Clare made 913 calls which related to requests for assistance, as well as flood reports and advice.