Flood response efforts continue across County Clare with local authority staff, Clare County Fire and Rescue, the ESB, the army, Gardai and Civil Defence providing 24-hour response to the flooding crisis on the ground.
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.
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. Having regard to the present position and the uncertainty going forward the question of schools opening is being kept under review.
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 are continuing. Travel and access restrictions are in place in certain areas around the Town Centre and the co-operation of the public is requested to observe the restrictions in place.
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 also 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.
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 Killaloe Fire Service are continuing to deliver sandbags to the affected areas. The position as regards evacuating families in this area of South East Clare is being monitored and accommodation will be arranged where necessary for people affected by flooding.
Meanwhile, an Interagency Group in the Mid West has issued a warning of further flooding along the lower River Shannon owing to increasing levels of water in the Shannon system. The Interagency Group comprises Clare County Council, Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council and North Tipperary County Council, and the emergency services. The Group confirmed this afternoon that unprecedented rainfall levels and resultant record flooding along the River Shannon necessitates an increase in the amount of water that must be released at Parteen Weir by the ESB. The discharge levels at the ESB weir have been growing in recent days and the release of higher volumes of water downstream will become unavoidable later today. Localised downstream areas from Parteen to Limerick City can expect higher flood levels as a result. The Interagency Group are continuing to monitor the situation.
The Council 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 www.clarecoco.ie and on local radio.
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.
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. Having regard to the present position and the uncertainty going forward the question of schools opening is being kept under review.
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 are continuing. Travel and access restrictions are in place in certain areas around the Town Centre and the co-operation of the public is requested to observe the restrictions in place.
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 also 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.
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 Killaloe Fire Service are continuing to deliver sandbags to the affected areas. The position as regards evacuating families in this area of South East Clare is being monitored and accommodation will be arranged where necessary for people affected by flooding.
Meanwhile, an Interagency Group in the Mid West has issued a warning of further flooding along the lower River Shannon owing to increasing levels of water in the Shannon system. The Interagency Group comprises Clare County Council, Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council and North Tipperary County Council, and the emergency services. The Group confirmed this afternoon that unprecedented rainfall levels and resultant record flooding along the River Shannon necessitates an increase in the amount of water that must be released at Parteen Weir by the ESB. The discharge levels at the ESB weir have been growing in recent days and the release of higher volumes of water downstream will become unavoidable later today. Localised downstream areas from Parteen to Limerick City can expect higher flood levels as a result. The Interagency Group are continuing to monitor the situation.
The Council 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 www.clarecoco.ie and on local radio.
