Continuing flood relief efforts in the west and midwest have proved challenging this evening as bitter northerly winds and heavy rainfalls sweep down the Atlantic seaboard.
Torrential downpours this morning have contributed to the water table, and Galway County Council is still maintaining a flood alert, although levels have dropped in Ballinasloe and Claregalway.
In the south of the county, Kiltartan on the N18 north of Gort is critical, as is Gort's Crowe Street and houses in a number of rural areas, including Ardrahan and Peterswell. Traffic detours are in place in Loughrea, due to reported high water levels.
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) says it has been "overwhelmed" by the response from farmers across the State to an appeal for fodder, and it has begun delivering to marooned farms.
Most farmers affected by floods have received emergency drops today, the IFA says, and efforts will continue over the weekend.
Flooding this week in the Galway city suburb of Menlo has prompted Galway West TD Frank Fahey and Independent city councillor Terry O'Flaherty to call for proper drainage in the area.
Menlo was one of two city areas affected by the weather alert - the other being Two Mile Ditch in Castlegar.
COPE Galway non-governmental organisation for the homeless is appealing for donations for flood victims at a collection day tomorrow in Eyre Square, Galway.
The NGO said it had intended to collect Shine A Light campaign donations for homeless people in Galway tomorrow, but had decided to use this appeal to help those most affected by the floods. COPE volunteers will also accept clothes, bed linen, new toys and non-perishable food items at its stand on Saturday on the second floor of Eyre Square shopping centre, Galway from 12 noon to 6pm.
COPE Galway will be linking in with St Vincent De Paul throughout the region to ensure that the donations go directly to those most affected by the floods.
Galway County Council is maintaining its emergency phone line for people affected by flooding at (091)509309.
A HSE information line telephone number 1800 283 036 has been established to assist people affected by the recent flooding in Co Galway and will be available from tomorrow, between 8am and 10pm.
Callers will be asked to provide their name, address, contact number, PPSN and details of the service they require. HSE staff will then provide information on the services available to assist them.
The HSE in Galway will be providing a separate counselling helpline from Monday next, November 30th and details of that number will be available from Monday morning.
