The Emergency Help-Line (1890-252-943) and the inter-agency co-ordinating teams remains in operation.
The flood defences have been built at various locations around Ennis and these are being maintained. Ennis Town Centre is free of water and pumping is continuing.
The Gort Road has been closed to traffic as serious flooding has occurred at the Industrial Estate on the Gort Road. Measures are being taken to alleviate the flooding. All other access routes to the Town are open. The Bank Place Bridge has been re-opened to vehicular traffic. Road closures throughout the County are monitored and updated information continues to be broadcast on an ongoing basis.
Sand bags are continually being dropped off at priority locations and are been used as flood defences at businesses and dwellings
108 people have been evacuated from their homes as a result of the flooding. Accommodation is being provided in local hotels. Some people are now returning to their homes.
The quality of the Ennis Water Supply is being monitored on an ongoing basis and the water supply is safe to drink. In the interests of safety people should avoid contact with flood waters and parents are requested to be particularly vigilant with children.
The general level of flooding has abated in many areas and staff from the various agencies continue to monitor and respond to the situation as it changes.
- The advice from the Gardai is for motorists to avoid Ennis and should not, unless absolutely necessary, come to Ennis.
- The high tide today is scheduled for 9.30 p.m.
- Local people are advised that sandbags are not available for collection by individuals.
- The helpline is 1890-252-943 and will operate on a 24 hour basis.
- The general public is advised to take the necessary steps regarding personal hygiene.
- The sandbags are being used at key locations. Sandbags continue to be distributed to areas most at risk
- Members of the public are asked not to interfere with diversion signs.
Information is also available on the Clare County Council website on http://www.clarecoco.ie
Below are the latest details in relation to roads affected by flooding:
ENNIS TOWN
- The Gort Road access to Ennis town centre has been closed. Gardai at scene
- The Gort Road Industrial Estate is flooded and the Gort Road is not passable at the industrial estate
- There is slight flooding in Abbey Street car park. Partially open access from Francis St via Abbey St and the Height
- Newbridge Road, Ennis closed to vehicular traffic – pedestrian access only
- Local access to Harmony Row only – Gardai on duty at Maid of Eireann Roundabout
- Bridge at Bank Place open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic
- Tobartascain closed from Limerick road junction – local access only
- Cusack Lawn, Lahinch Road, Ennis is passable
- Clonroad – Mangan’s to Sutton’s Lighting is reduced to one lane
- Drumcliffe Road from Lees Road complex to Graveyard is not passable
- Glassan Estate and Claureen Drive, Drumcliffe Road is flooded
- Willow Park and Watery Road passable – local traffic
ENNIS DISTRICT
- Ballymacahill Road is closed
- Quin to Latoon Road – Closed
- Road between Killone Interchange to Doora Church – closed
- Road between Henchy’s Bar and Lynch’s Cross Closed
SHANNON DISTRICT
- All main routes are open to traffic
- Rabbit Island, Newmarket on Fergus is closed to traffic
- Crowe's shop Sixmilebridge at junction with Cratloe Road, flooded but passable
- Road between Ballycasey and Hurlers Cross not passable
- Old roads in the back parts Newmarket on Fergus are flooded
- Rossmanagher Road Sixmilebridge (L7112) not passable
ENNISTYMON AREA
- Ennis to Ennistymon road now open
- Maurice's Mills road from Corofin Road - Not passable
- Lisdoonvarna to Ballyvaughan Road now open
- Ballyvaughan to Fanore Road now open
- Ruan to Corofin Road- now open
- Corofin to Kilfenora Road not passable at Lemenagh
- Corofin to Gort Road not passable at Lough Bunny
- Corofin to Ennistymon Road not passable at Rath Church
- Corofin to Ennis Road not passable at Tierney’s garage- detour in place
- Tubber to Kinvara Road not passable at Lough Bonny
- Tubber to Corofin Road not passable
- R476 Ennis to Corofin closed at Ryan’s Quarry Toonagh is not passable
KILRUSH DISTRICT
- All roads in Kilrush area now open.
KILLALOE DISTRICT
- Tulla to Quin Road at Dangan Cross and School Road impassable
- R466 Road from Broadford to Tulla is not passable - Divert take Broadford to Bodyke road go left for O Callaghan's Mills
- Road from Broadford to Sixmilebridge is impassable
HELPLINE NUMBER 1890 252 943
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Killeen Takes Firm Stance At EU Fisheries Council
Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, today attended the EU Fisheries Council where he set down a strong marker to make clear that the important mackerel fishery is protected and that Ireland’s share of the fishery is maintained.
Each year EU and Norway negotiate access to fish stocks in each other’s waters and changing stock patters mean there is increasing pressure for Norway’s access to mackerel to be increased. There is growing concern that the EU will agree to increase Norway’s share of the stock, which would reduce Ireland’s quota for 2010 and future years.
According to Minister of State Killeen: “The mackerel fishery is very important to Ireland and in 2009 we had a quota of 62,000 tonnes worth an estimated €65 million at the quayside. Norway has demanded an increased share of the overall EU TAC, which Ireland is totally opposing and is also seeking to be allowed to fish that quota in EU waters.”
He continued: “I made clear to fellow Ministers and to Commissioner Borg the importance of the mackerel fishery for Ireland and that we needed to work together to prevent any reduction in the EU’s share of the mackerel quota. I am prepared to discuss mutually acceptable arrangements that would increase the access for Norwegian vessels in return for a long term agreement on the share out between EU and Norway that protected the interests of Irish fishermen.”
The Fisheries Council also discussed new conservation measures on mesh sizes and closed areas.
Minister of State Killeen noted that these measures were important to deliver on Ireland’s overall objective of conserving fish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices. EU Fisheries Ministers agreed to continue the existing measures for a further 18 months to allow for more detailed discussions with fishermen.
Minister Killeen added: “I consider that we need to strengthen the current conservation rules but I want to ensure that the new measures which are very technical and complex allow for economic fisheries that protect the livelihood of fishermen. I was disappointed that the Council’s failure to reach agreement has resulted in the continuation of measures applied last December for the waters off Donegal. While I secured some limited changes, Council was not prepared to make substantive changes to the existing arrangements for Ireland and the UK in this interim period”.
Each year EU and Norway negotiate access to fish stocks in each other’s waters and changing stock patters mean there is increasing pressure for Norway’s access to mackerel to be increased. There is growing concern that the EU will agree to increase Norway’s share of the stock, which would reduce Ireland’s quota for 2010 and future years.
According to Minister of State Killeen: “The mackerel fishery is very important to Ireland and in 2009 we had a quota of 62,000 tonnes worth an estimated €65 million at the quayside. Norway has demanded an increased share of the overall EU TAC, which Ireland is totally opposing and is also seeking to be allowed to fish that quota in EU waters.”
He continued: “I made clear to fellow Ministers and to Commissioner Borg the importance of the mackerel fishery for Ireland and that we needed to work together to prevent any reduction in the EU’s share of the mackerel quota. I am prepared to discuss mutually acceptable arrangements that would increase the access for Norwegian vessels in return for a long term agreement on the share out between EU and Norway that protected the interests of Irish fishermen.”
The Fisheries Council also discussed new conservation measures on mesh sizes and closed areas.
Minister of State Killeen noted that these measures were important to deliver on Ireland’s overall objective of conserving fish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices. EU Fisheries Ministers agreed to continue the existing measures for a further 18 months to allow for more detailed discussions with fishermen.
Minister Killeen added: “I consider that we need to strengthen the current conservation rules but I want to ensure that the new measures which are very technical and complex allow for economic fisheries that protect the livelihood of fishermen. I was disappointed that the Council’s failure to reach agreement has resulted in the continuation of measures applied last December for the waters off Donegal. While I secured some limited changes, Council was not prepared to make substantive changes to the existing arrangements for Ireland and the UK in this interim period”.
Flooding Expected Along Lower River Shannon
An Inter Agency Group, comprising the Mid-West Local Authorities (Clare County Council, Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council and North Tipperary County Council) and Emergency Services, has warned of potential flooding along the lower River Shannon over the coming days.
The Group stated that considerable volumes of water are moving down the River Shannon following recent torrential rainfall. Property and land owners from south of Killaloe/Ballina to Limerick City, particularly in flood prone areas, are being advised to exercise increased caution as a result.
The Emergency Services are continuing to monitor the situation, in conjunction with the ESB at Ardnacrusha.
In the meantime, the Inter Agency Group has issued a safety warning advising parents to be particularly vigilant with children and members of the public to avoid contact with flood waters. People are also being asked to keep an eye on any elderly or infirm neighbours.
The flood risk is being monitored on an ongoing basis and further updates will be issued as information becomes available.
The Group stated that considerable volumes of water are moving down the River Shannon following recent torrential rainfall. Property and land owners from south of Killaloe/Ballina to Limerick City, particularly in flood prone areas, are being advised to exercise increased caution as a result.
The Emergency Services are continuing to monitor the situation, in conjunction with the ESB at Ardnacrusha.
In the meantime, the Inter Agency Group has issued a safety warning advising parents to be particularly vigilant with children and members of the public to avoid contact with flood waters. People are also being asked to keep an eye on any elderly or infirm neighbours.
The flood risk is being monitored on an ongoing basis and further updates will be issued as information becomes available.
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