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Hundreds of households in Co Limerick and East Clare remain on flood alert this afternoon as water levels on the Shannon river continue to increase.

Parts of Castleconnell and Montpelier remain inaccessible, with a number of homes abandoned as a precaution amid growing fears that further heavy rain and water releases from the Parteen Weir will lead to increased flooding

In a statement this evening, the ESB said it will continue to maintain the same rate of discharge from Parteen Weir for the rest of the day and overnight.

Water levels along the Lower River Shannon, at O'Briensbridge, Clonlara, Westbury and Shannon Banks, rose by approximately 2 inches overnight and this morning.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is constructing a major flood defence from Athlunkard Bridge (Corbally Road) to Hampstead Park (Shannon Banks).

All agencies are assisting the OPW with the construction of the earthen embankment.

Meanwhile Limerick City Council is this afternoon deploying sandbags to properties in vulnerable near Corbally as a precautionary measure.

The areas identified as vulnerable are low-lying areas in the following locations; Lucas Drive, the part of Mill Road directly bounding the River Shannon,the Siul na hAbhann Housing Estate and Meadowbrook.

There is no immediate threat of flooding to properties outside of these vulnerable areas, according to the local authority.

All roads within the City Council’s administrative area are passable to vehicular traffic.

The pedestrian walkways along the Canal are closed and members of the public are advised not to use them until further notice.

Members of the public are advised to stay away from any land that is flooded within the City boundary and not to use the waterways for leisure purposes.