Andrew Carey
FLOODING in areas of county Limerick is still being tended to as council workers continue to deal with the excessive water levels following high tides and a deluge of rain in the latest round of storms to batter the country.
Limerick City and County Council is continuing to deal with a number of weather-related incidents in Foynes, Askeaton and Adare in County Limerick, as well as in various areas of Limerick City.
The Council’s Crisis Management Team met this Friday morning in the wake of the 120km/m winds and storm showers and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the weekend.
The local authority is also advising home, business and land owners, particularly those in low lying coastal areas and other flood prone locations, to take precautionary steps in light of the risk of further flooding at high tide this evening.
Foynes, West Limerick
On receipt of a weather warning from Met Éireann on Thursday, the Council issued a flood risk advisory to the local community both on the ground and through the local media. Sandbags were distributed and other flood protection measures were put in place, while units from Limerick Fire & Rescue Service pumped water away from vulnerable properties.
However, due to the high tide on the Shannon Estuary this morning, together with a storm surge, the water could not be completely contained. As a result, the N69 was closed due to flooding.
Approximately 39 premises, including homes and businesses, were affected by the flood.
The Council’s Home and Community section together with the HSE have visited the affected residents and are liaising with them in relation to any accommodation needs. The local community has also been providing assistance to those affected by the flooding.
Foynes has reopened to vehicular traffic.
Askeaton, West Limerick
The flooding in Askeaton, also in West Limerick, occurred on the Quays and eight houses were affected. Council road crews are working to relieve the flooding on the ground.
Members of the Council’s Home and Community section have visited the affected families and are assisting them. Askeaton Swimming Pool is closed until Monday but the gym remains open. The situation is being reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Adare
The N21 through Adare was closed for a time this morning due to flooding but has since reopened. Traffic diversions with appropriate signage will be put in place if further flooding occurs.
Limerick City
While most roads are now passable, motorists are advised to avoid the St. Mary’s Park, Corbally, Clancy Strand and Condell Road areas where possible.
Where roads are passable motorists should drive with care in particular HGVs as the displacement of water may affect adjoining properties.
Traffic diversions with appropriate signage will be put in place if further flooding occurs. In light of the continued risk of flooding during this evening’s forecast high tide, the Council has been deploying sandbags to residents and businesses in flood prone locations.
