The highest tides in almost two decades that are expected this weekend should not cause significant flooding in coastal areas, it was predicted yesterday.
But Met Éireann said it could not yet say what the weather conditions were likely to be when similar high sea levels return in early October and November.
Responding to concerns in coastal communities that record tides could lead to severe flooding, Met Éireann said weather conditions at the weekend "are not expected to contribute to the risk of coastal flooding".
The weather forecaster said atmospheric pressure would be high, while strong winds were not predicted - two factors which would mitigate against flooding. Met Éireann said it would continue to monitor the situation and issue warnings if necessary.
Due to a series of "astronomical coincidences" and the approaching equinox, the highest tides for almost 20 years are expected to affect low-lying parts of Dublin, Cork and Galway.
But flooding may occur only if weather conditions, such as low pressure and strong onshore winds, compound the situation.
High tide notifications were issued by the Marine Institute which said unusually high tides would peak in Cobh and Galway around Saturday and in Dublin the following day. Other peak tides would occur in Galway around October 8th and November 6th; in Dublin around October 9th and November 6th; and in Cobh around October 8th and November 5th, 6th and 7th.
While the October high tides were "far too far away" to issue a forecast, the nature of the tides was that high water levels would abate over coming months, according to Met Éireann.
The Metropolitan Planning Emergency Group, comprising four Leinster local authorities, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Coast Guard, has met to discuss the situation and emergency plans have also been put in place in Galway.
Dublin City Council said it was mindful of the complex nature of forecasting beyond two days and would consult Met Éireann again this morning. A spokesman said, given the forecast, it did not expect to activate the emergency plan, however.
Galway's Spanish Arch and Claddagh Quay have been cordoned off with bright red barriers as the city prepares for the unusually high tides. Spring tides have been at their highest and lowest all week, prompting Galway City Council to warn residents and business owners in vulnerable areas to start storing valuable goods and moving vehicles to higher ground. The local authority has also set up a dedicated "flooding" website and has extended its phoneline service.
Galway City Council has identified areas at risk as Flood Street, Spanish Arch, Spanish Parade, Lower Quay Street, Seapoint Promenade and Colohan Road, as well as Raven Terrace, Claddagh Quay, Lower and Upper Merchants' Road, Salthill Promenade and car park, Toft Park car park and Silverstrand car park.
It has also warned that low-lying areas of the city centre could be affected.